Councillors ‘an utter disgrace’ for missing parade

TOWN councillors who missed this year’s Remembrance Day parade in Tewkesbury should “hang their heads in shame”, according to a former town clerk.

Mike Wilson, who used to be an Army major, was the clerk for Tewkesbury Town Council for 15 years before retiring in 2008. He criticised some of the current councillors for missing a parade through the town last Sunday.

He said: “I attended the Tewkesbury Remembrance Sunday parade last Sunday. It was very well organised, very moving and tremendously well supported by the townspeople, youth organisations and local businesses.

“It was particularly pleasing to see so many serving soldiers on parade, including a contingent of Gurkhas. It was a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives in the world wars and other conflicts.

“However, it was so very disappointing to see that only half the members of the town council bothered to turn out.

“No doubt some had legitimate reasons for not doing so, but there are some who should hang their heads in shame.

“That they can’t bring themselves to pay due respect to those they have to thank for the freedom they now enjoy is an utter disgrace. They are not fit to hold the office.”

Present town clerk Debbie Hill said: “We currently have 15 councillors. Nine of them were at the parade and service.

“We had apologies from three – two were unwell and one was away.”