Bloxwich's Remembrance Sunday parade is scrapped

Community leaders battled to save the tradition but, without a branch of the Royal British Legion in the town to lead the event, had to admit defeat.

The traditional parade usually leads from Park Road up High Street to the cenotaph. This year, there will only be a gathering in the grounds of All Saints Church.

Bloxwich East Councillor Julie Fitzpatrick said: "There is no Royal British Legion branch in Bloxwich so we were at a bit of a loss as to what to do. There is nobody to head up the event.

"It is gutting that it cannot go ahead. It's something that happens every year and it is important to remember those who gave their lives for this country.

"We were in talks about sorting something out and worked hard to find a solution, but without the Royal British Legion branch and public liability insurance we've found it impossible to arrange.

"We need to start looking at what we can do next year. We need an event organiser."

Councillor Shaun Fitzpatrick, who also represents Bloxwich East, said he had also been contacted by residents who were concerned about the issue.

He added: "Ever since I can remember Bloxwich has always had a parade and it always has a good turnout, it is very important to us and the people of the town.

"Over the last few years the crowds have been increasing time after time."

The news comes after it emerged last month that some of the routes for the Remembrance Sunday parades in Walsall will have to change this year due to police cuts.

West Midlands Police said some of the 11 routes would have to be 'tweaked' after it emerged the number of officers covering this year's events in the borough will be cut by almost half.

It prompted criticism from community leaders, with Darlaston South Councillor Doug James calling it 'one cut too far'.

But Walsall Police Superintendent Lee Kendrick said the force had secured officer resources from Walsall.

He said some student officers who are new to the organisation had also welcomed the opportunity to help out on the day and staff the road closures.

Councillor James called for a rethink on the Walsall Remembrance Day parades move earlier this month following news that West Midlands Police would receive £36.9million after a U-turn by the Home Office over funding.

Anyone who can help organise a parade next year in Bloxwich can call Councillor Julie Fitzpatrick on 01922 446521.