POLICE have been called in to investigate an unofficial large gathering at Warrington Cenotaph yesterday, Sunday.
Concerns have been raised about the management and organisation of the large gathering of an estimated 200 people at an unofficial Remembrance Sunday event at the Cenotaph yesterday, 8 November, which went ahead despite the current national restrictions.
As a result of the concerns, Warrington Borough Council has contacted Cheshire Police who will be investigating the gathering, to ascertain how the event was organised without prior notice and to identify what COVID-secure measures were in place as required by the regulations.
Julie Cooke, Deputy Chief Constable at Cheshire Police, said: “We are aware of the concerns raised and are reviewing what happened at the Cenotaph in Warrington on Remembrance Sunday.”
Earlier in the day the Mayor of Warrington Cllr Maureen Creaghan had laid a wreath at the town’s cenotaph but did not attend the unofficial event.
Warrington Borough Council have declined to make any further comments pending the police investigation.
One of those who attended the event was Warrington South MP Andy Carter who says he followed government guidelines which states MPs are allowed to lay a wreath of behalf to their constituents.
He said: “Specific exemptions were made by the Government to allow for open-air, socially distanced Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying.
“I placed a wreath at the cenotaph yesterday morning in my capacity as member of parliament on behalf of my Warrington South constituents, a number of other individuals and organisations, including Cheshire Police, did the same.”
Deputy Leader of the Council Cllr Cathy Mitchell, who laid a wreath on behalf of Winwick Parish Council, said she didn’t want to comment pending the police investigation.
The full list of guidelines can be seen by CLICKING HERE
17 Comments
Before people sling mud, how many of you stood on your doorstep at 11am? Or were you the part of the community who continued to drive about in your car, go shopping, continued chatting with your family or friends, continued mowing their lawns, playing music to the rest of the street, the list is endless. There is no need for the disrespect that was shown yesterday by the majority of Warrington. Fair play to all who went to the cenotaph and those who stood on their doorsteps. Lest we forget.
We stood out from 5 to until 5 past 11, just my wife and I. It was so disappointing!
You vote these anti british scum into powervthis is what you get a labour run shole like all labour run places whats the betbif this has beem a black lives matter eventbwould never have been cancelled let alone had the police called
The guidance was clear and it appears to have been adhered to with one exception – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-preparations-for-remembrance-sunday/local-authority-preparations-for-remembrance-sunday – whoever organised it seems to have forgotten to involve the relevant authorities, or did they? In that respect it has to be investigated. My view is remembrance is a very personal thing. I live opposite the cenotaph in Culcheth and normally always go myself but this year stayed in my garden – I would have preferred that everyone did that as we are trying to defeat a global pandemic and my close family consists of a doctor, nurse and health therapist and they need to be in our thoughts at present.
We stood out from 5 to until 5 past 11, just my wife and I. It was so disappointing!
So the Police are gong to investigate themselves are they? They laid a wreath to our brave soldiers who we have lost as did others . Everyone was socially distanced and respectful. So why this stupid news article from this comic which is trying to make something out of people paying their respects to our fallen in these trying times. the author or people who have concerns needs to get a life get a life
As the author of this article, I would like to point out that it is based on information issued by the council and the police and has also been run by other media outlets.
There is absolutely no reason for you to be insulting towards the publication or myself.
For your information, a comic is a publication to publish humour.
There is nothing humorous about this article.
best wishes
Gary Skentelbery
Editor
I suspect you know far more about this story than you are willing or able to publish Gary. But it’s beyond time somebody in the local media went for the council in a big way. There are all the signs of a complacent and arrogant organisation with individuals at its top who need to have their feet held to the fire. Being a ‘critical friend’ is clearly no longer enough. They need calling out.
It’s pathetic to blame the messenger for reporting the news. This local magazine does a lot for this town as does its owner. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. I found your comments offensive
If it was you dragged into a political ping pong game and caused you stress and anxiety, I’m sure you wouldn’t sit back, just like I’m not being the victim in this case.
Gary is doing his job.
And the facts are all here.
Yet another example if it were needed particularly in this borough, of why politicians should not be closely associated with Policing. And it is to be regretted on this occasion it has impacted adversely on one of this country’s most solemn annual ceremonies.
What a shame that the council have asked the police to investigate a very solem act that had taken place and from what I understand no rules have been broken it was just a few decent people paying respects to our fallen all adhering to COVID 19 rules the members of the local community also just turned up like many thousands across the country did.I feel sorry for the police having to wait time and money on this investigation
Notwithstanding the constraints of covid regulations, it is a shame that on a day when party political differences are traditionally put aside and people across the country come together to remember and honour all those who gave their lives for their country; this year party political bickering in Warrington subsequently intruded into the memories of the solemnity of the ceremony. The reports elsewhere of the alleged details of this regrettable situation do little to improve the public perception of our local politicians.
A time when our Brave Forces who have loved & lost come together, I have no doubt as do the Veteran’s/families & currently serving that social distance requirements were met. Poor PR and bad taste for the public to see, another gaff by the council & I’m sure the Police were embarrassed to have to attend.
It wasn’t organised at all.
There was a good few there and that was there rite too go it’s public space.
Council don’t own the Obelisk or Wall Memorial that is CWWGT.
The Council have left me no choice than too do this publicly now.
Plenty of time too contact me.
Thank you for all the support 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
As far as I can see it was respectfully attended by a limited number of people who appeared to be following social distancing rules. Even if covid rules were not carried out to the letter, I do not understand WBC’s problem…. unless they are trying to score some sort of political point against the MP. If so, that has backfired as even their own leader was present. WBC leadership seem to be incompetent on every level. Perhaps I’m wrong…. Happy to be put right if so!
It’s so sad to see Remembrance Day being dragged into a political dispute. It’s bad enough that this happened but what really upset me what how all the political types within our town, immediately descended onto social media taking every opportunity to finger point and name call.