St George's parade clears last obstacle

This weekend's St George's Day parade in West Bromwich will go ahead after organisers met a deadline to submit vital paperwork, it was confirmed today.

Parade organisers were given until 7pm yesterday to hand in an insurance certificate, as well as documents to prove the event had been paid for and confirmation from companies providing traffic and security stewards that they will attend. Sandwell Council's safety chief Councillor Derek Rowley confirmed that all the paperwork had been received in time.

Councillor Rowley said that the parade is now set to go ahead as planned on Sunday.

Organisers are now urging the public to attend to ensure it is a success.

"We've had confirmation for the traffic maintenance and the stewarding will be there on the day," said Councillor Rowley.

"Effectively, we've got a confirmation that they are insured and we will be checking that this morning.

"As far as we are concerned, it's all systems go.

"I hope the day is wonderful for them and there is no repercussions because of what happened in the past."

Sandwell Council caused controversy when it axed its £10,000 funding for the annual event, forcing it to be organised independently.

It has now been funded through donations.

Organiser Trevor Collins, from the St Cross St George Association, said he was relieved the parade had finally got the go-ahead.

He said: "I can't believe it – it seems like an eternity. We are just relieved that finally we've got that.

"We are not happy with all the hurdles. Even until now the council were being awkward.

"It's now in the hands of the general public to make it a success."

Last year's event caused controversy after videos surfaced of the British Ulster Alliance Flute Band at the parade.

The band is not performing at this year's event.

Notices for road closures have been announced and signs are up in West Bromwich marking the parade route.

Traffic will be diverted away from several roads in West Bromwich between 9am and 1pm.