SENIOR councillors have criticised police for withdrawing traffic management for their borough’s Remembrance Day parades at the centenary of the First World War’s end.
Cllr Miles Parkinson, Labour leader of Hyndburn Council, and Oswaldtwistle’s Conservative county councillor Peter Britcliffe, have both condemned the decision.
A police spokesman confirmed that while officers would be supporting Remembrance Sunday events on November 11, they would not provide traffic management support and marshalling in Hyndburn.
He said: “This responsibility sits with the event organisers, normally the local authority.”
Cllr Parkinson said the decision was ‘disappointing’ and criticised the force for not telling the council of the decision until early this month.
County Cllr Britcliffe said: “It is appalling the police have chosen to introduce this disappointing policy change in the centenary year of the war’s end.
“You would thought they could waited another 12 months.”
Hyndburn has particular burdens on Remembrance Day as its holds events in seven townships.
This year’s Accrington event is particularly large to celebrate both the opening of the new Town Square and the Accrington Pals' contribution to the conflict.
Cllr Parkinson said: “Lancashire Constabulary have routinely provided support for Remembrance Day parades across Hyndburn.
“This support has included specialist traffic management. For this year’s parades police confirmed the same support would be available and we developed our plans accordingly.
“On October 1 we were told by the police that they won’t be providing it this year," said Cllr Parkinson.
Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: "I am recommending funding I have already allocated to Hyndburn Community Safety Partnership could be used to employ suitable staff to carry out marshalling responsibilities.”
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