Move to rescue Remembrance Day parades across Walsall

Parades had been under threat after West Midlands Police said earlier this year it would no longer be providing officers for traffic management duties.

But cabinet members will be asked next week to discuss whether the council could afford to provide funding until 2019, despite the authority's bid to save £86 million over the next four years.

To ensure events were not disrupted this year, Walsall Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner agreed to share costs for traffic management and ten parades successfully went ahead.

The cabinet will now be asked to agree to make a financial contribution for traffic management to event organisers which took place this year going forward.

This would be 30 per cent of traffic management costs, up to a cap of £1,000 per parade, for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, with the contribution being reviewed in the financial year 2019/20.

There are around 10 parades held across Walsall every year including one through the town centre, Willenhall, Darlaston, Brownhills, Bloxwich, Aldridge, Pelsall, Short Heath, Streetly and Walsall Wood.

A statement from Walsall Council said: "The report cabinet will consider recognises that the council does not currently have the resources to organise and manage Remembrance Parades, apart from the Civic Parade in Walsall Town centre."

Leader of Walsall Council, Councillor Sean Coughlan said he was 'pleased' that the plans look set to go ahead, despite the councils current financial situation.

He said: "Our communities have traditionally turned out in large numbers across the borough to commemorate those who have given their lives in the service of our country.

"I am pleased to be able to recommend a council contribution for the next three years particularly so organisers can start their fundraising efforts for 2017."

Councillor Gary Perry, vice chairman of the Pelsall Royal British Legion, stressed groups would have to make sure they are on top of raising their own funds to go alongside council money, but called it a 'golden opportunity'.

He said: "I obviously endorse this decision being taken by the council and as part of the working group it is one I have been involved in.

"However, this isn't the whole battle, groups still have work to do in relation to raising their own funds and I would encourage each group to get working on that as soon as possible.

"The positive is that we are now in a position of strength and I see this as a golden opportunity to make sure parades go ahead without a hitch in the future."