Organisers for a Remembrance Sunday parade in Billington and Langho, in the Ribble Valley district of Lancashire, have been left seething after being ordered to pay £1,000 for a security escort despite not requiring one last year.
Ribble Valley Council said that "tighter rules" on safety have led to the decision, despite the organisers planning to use the same group of volunteers as last year.
The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) recommended against permitting the parade without a security escort, as they were unhappy with the choice of company to manage traffic amid road closures for the 300-metre-long parade.
This is despite the same company, which boasts over 50 years' experience in traffic management and road closures, being responsible for the successful parade last year - and even offered their services free of charge.
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The decision, due to the company not owning a certain certificate, has left organisers fuming and they took to Facebook to express their concerns with the decision.
"Last year we had a parade, it was safe, well-led and managed by a team of volunteers dedicated to honouring the brave men, women and animals that lost their lives whilst securing the futures of millions of people," the statement read.
"Ensuring we and our families can live in freedom with democracy and opportunity for all.
"Our road closure was managed by a company with 53 years of experience in road haulage/ escort and road closure management, and I’m sure you all agree — they did a sterling job of maintaining safety, reducing traffic congestion and ensuring the parade went ahead without any glitches.
"Furthermore, they offered their services FREE OF CHARGE.
Organisers for a Remembrance Sunday parade in Billington and Langho have been left seething after being ordered to pay £1,000 for a security escort despite not requiring one just 12 months ago
|PA
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"Eventually, with not many weeks to go, we had our application turned down because our company, with 53 years of evidence, successes and experience, did not possess a certificate. This company ran the event the year before!!
"It is very sad times when a ‘certificate’ means more than experience, evidence and reputation."
The decision has resulted in organisers pumping all funds for the next two years into 2025's ceremony, leaving next year's parade completely up in the air.
A Ribble Valley Council spokesman defended the decision, saying: "Our top priority is to ensure the safety of everyone taking part in this event.
The Remembrance parade went smoothly last year as organisers chose the same company that was rejected this year
| GETTY"The council's safety advisory group can only advise on public safety issues. It works closely with partners such as the police, fire and ambulance services, and Lancashire County Council to make recommendations, where appropriate, to event organisers.
"Tighter rules have been introduced nationally to improve the safety of those attending public events, especially on the highway network.
"The safety group has advised organisers of the Billington remembrance parade that they need to have a traffic management plan in place for a temporary road closure, to protect those attending the event.
"Organisers of other similar remembrance events in the borough have put such traffic management arrangements in place."
Conservative councillor Tony Austin, who is involved in the event, has slammed the "extreme wokery" of the decision, highlighting the hypocrisy that larger cities are able to hold demonstrations "without hindrance".
Speaking to LancsLive, he said: "It sticks in everyone’s throat that others can conduct large demonstrations in big cities about Gaza, without hindrance, despite official displeasure.
"Remember last year’s demonstration in London during the Remembrance Parade in Whitehall? This is extreme wokery."
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