THE Taunton & District Saturday League has become the latest local football league to suspend fixtures due to the Covid-19 situation, until at least Saturday, January 16, 2021.

The Southern League has been suspended since November, and that remains the case until at least January 9.

The Western League - which features Bishops Lydeard, Bridgwater Town and Wellington - is continuing for now, but Division 1 side Lydeard have opted to "suspend all football and football fixtures for all teams of all age groups and genders", as of December 24.

Lydeard's club statement added: "This decision hasn't been taken lightly, but we feel out of respect and safety to the players, officials, volunteers and all of their families it will help protect people from unnecessary group meetings which would have the potential to fuel the virus, should any one person present unknowingly be affected."

The club aims to review the decision in mid-January.

The Somerset County League made a similar decision over the weekend, saying: "Following the government announcement to move Bristol, North Somerset and Somerset Council Areas up from Tier 2 to Tier 3, the Board of Directors has taken the decision to suspend fixtures up to and including January 16.

"With cases of Covid-19 rising across the county we need to play our part to keep all involved on matchdays safe.

"The Board fully appreciate the growing concern amongst clubs regarding playing at this current time and this is a key factor in our decision to ensure the health of everybody.

"The latest change of tiers significantly affects the existing fixture list, and we are limited in what we can do to move fixtures around, as we were able to do recently for those who opted to play.

"The Board will be meeting next week to look at the challenges we face whilst seeking information and guidance from the SFA [Somerset FA] and FA [Football Association] on their expectations on completing the season.

"Once we have further information, we will hold an Emergency General Meeting via Zoom in mid-January to present the various options to all member clubs and give [them] the opportunity to decide which option [they] would like the league to take."

The Taunton & District Saturday League's announcement followed on December 26, and reads: "Following the government announcement last week to move Somerset Council Areas up from Tier 2 to Tier 3, our league officers have taken the decision to suspend fixtures up to and including January 16.

"One in eighty people have this virus, and OK that is a national figure, but it is high considering the past few months.

"The league will be discussing in the next week or so, to look at the challenges we face whilst seeking information and guidance from the SFA and FA on their expectations on completing the season.

"Once we have further information, we will discuss the options and publish these.

"As a league we have to try and finish the season, if possible."