THE 70th annual Remembrance Day parade at Culcheth will now go ahead as planned after a campaign by local councillors and residents.
After four weeks of “turmoil and uncertainty,” it was confirmed at Tuesday night’s meeting of Culcheth & Glazebury Parish Council that the Royal British Legion procession to the Cenotaph in Newchurch would have the funding available to enable it to take place.
Warrington Borough Council was advised by Cheshire Police in 2019 funding would be withdrawn but no firm plans were put into place to ensure it went ahead.
However, a breakthrough at Tuesday evenings Parish Council meeting saw funding allocated to ensure the cost of the road closures would be met.
Parish Cllr Keith Bland commented “Labour-run Warrington Borough Council’s decision not to fund the traffic marshalling required was met with outrage in our village.
“Despite WBC having two years notice from Cheshire Police and ensuring there were provisions within the budget for this event, no action was taken.
“There was no consultation with the Parish, and it was looking very likely that the procession would be cancelled.
“At Tuesday night’s Parish Council meeting, it was unanimously agreed that cost of £1,350 required to ensure the procession safely went ahead would be made available from the Parish Council budget.
“We now have time to train up volunteers to assist us in 2022 and are looking forward to Remembrance Sunday with our Veterans and local residents in attendance.”
Ward Borough Cllr Wendy Maisey added: “ I’m thrilled that after a local campaign the 70th annual procession will now take place in Culcheth.
“It’s the Centenary year for the Royal British Legion and we were all determined to see it come together. I made the case on Tuesday night with other residents and councillors requesting funding be made available from the Parish Council. It’s frustrating that there has been no provision made by Warrington Borough Council for such an important day when we all pause to honour our fallen and give thanks to all those past and present from the armed forces. I come from an armed forces family, both my parents were Royal Signals so the campaign was really close to my heart.
“It’s been a difficult couple of weeks, but we’re all delighted with the outcome and hope we won’t meet similar issues in the future.”
