COMMUNITY groups which hold street parades in East Lancashire are urging police to reconsider the decision not to marshall events.

It comes as county councillors delivered an all-party agreement on a motion calling for new ways of dealing with the issue.

County Coun Malcolm Barron said churches and other organisations have been told police might be unable to marshall events owing to financial and staffing cuts. Britannia Coconutters’ Easter Saturday procession, was last month saved after Rossendale Council agreed to pay for marshalling.

Mohammed Khalil, treasurer of Blackburn’s annual 5,000-strong Milad march in Randall Street, said: “Because we were warned we might not be able to have police marshalling at this year’s event 12 months ago, we were able to plan for it. But some smaller events might not be able to foot the bill.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates said: “We will continue to work with event organisers to ensure public safety is considered.” Jo Turton, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, will work with Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw. She said: “Parades and walking days are an important part of Lancashire’s heritage.