West Country removal firms say it's 'impossible' to move house while adhering to government Covid-19 guidelines

• Watch the full report from ITV News West Country reporter, Bob Cruwys

The Government is urging people to delay plans to move house during the coronavirus epidemic.

It is encouraging people to amicably agree alternative dates to move in future, if possible.

It has been difficult for removal companies to follow the Government restrictions, to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, while still honouring agreements with their customers who want to move house.

Alex Wotton, Director of Wotton of Tiverton, says it's been impossible to balance those two things and that they have had to call a halt to their operation.

Analysts at Zoopla have warned that house sales could fall by as much as 80% during some spring months this year compared with the same period in 2019.

Helen Snowdon from Gloucestershire has been trying to move into a new rented home but has had to put her plans on hold, with half of her belongings already at the new property.

Sales which may still go through in the coming weeks include probate sales of empty properties, and some buy-to-let purchases by landlords.

Critical house moves, where no alternative date can be agreed, may also proceed.