Scouts banned from Remembrance rally ‘for safety’

SCOUTS, Brownies, Girl Guides and Cubs have been banned from a town’s Remembrance Day parade for “safety reasons”.

Instead children will be allowed only to meet in the market square to lay a wreath at the war memorial, at Biggleswade in Bedfordshire.

George Wilson, president of the Biggleswade branch of the Royal British Legion, suggested the decision had been made because of fears that mili- tary personnel taking part may be unable to keep up with the younger groups in the march. Around 70 members of the Armed Forces are taking part.

The decision is said to have “saddened” organisers, and some residents have called the decision “a disgrace”.

About 3,000 people are expected to attend the parade next month to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives fighting for their country.

Mr Wilson said there were also safety concerns because of the attendance by a large number of serving members of the Armed Forces. He said: “We understand their disappointment but this is a local decision because so many soldiers are taking part.”

A spokesman for the Royal British Legion, which organises the march, confirmed that children have been asked to congregate in Market Square rather than marching with the military, due to “safety reasons”.

But when asked why the extra security measures had been adopted this year, she declined to say what the “safety reasons” were. The ban has been unpopular with residents and organisers.

A spokesman for Girlguiding Biggleswade District said the news had been met with disappointment but “discussions are currently taking place to see if our members can parade or not”. She said: “We will still attend the service to mark our respect.”

Gerry Pope, district commissioner for Biggleswade District Scouts, said his group was saddened by the decision. However Mr Pope said: “We will be attending the service in Market Square and will be laying our wreath.” A local resident, Alex Hough, told the

Biggleswade Chronicle: “No Scouts, no Guides, no Brownies, no Cubs. A 100 per cent total disgrace and an insult not only to the many children’s organisations who have participated in past Remembrance Sundays but also to our fallen heroes.

“What do-gooders thought of this? I personally take great pride in attending our Market Square Remembrance Day but sadly I find this decision a tragedy and a disgrace to Biggleswade.” Julie Bean, an ex member of the RAF and part of the District Commissioner team for Biggleswade Guiding, said: “We are saddened and disappointed by this decision.”

This is not the first time a ban has been imposed at a Remembrance Day parade. Last year, music was banned from a march in Belfast to smooth community relations.

The Parades Commission told organisers last November that they could sound only a single drum beat when passing a Catholic church.