Townspeople have slammed a decision to cancel a Remembrance Day parade because it was “too pricey”. People in Caldicot have enjoyed the popular Sunday parade to remember fallen soldiers for decades, but this year the town’s council has called it off over cost concerns.
Town councillors said the decision was taken with a heavy heart after Gwent Police pulled out of managing the closures of the road for the parade in 2020. Last year the council commissioned a private company to manage the closures, but this year the council decided the cost of doing it again would be too high.
The council has previously closed the main road through Caldicot for the parade before a service at St Mary’s Church in the town. The service will continue, along with the Sunset Service at 4pm and a separate event in the town centre on Friday, November 11.
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Town councillor Benjamin Harris said he’d been surprised at the level of negativity towards the decision by residents. Many have taken to social media to voice their displeasure.
One of the many commenters was Wendy Bowart, who said: “I am a Cub leader and would like everyone to know that there will be no Remembrance Day parade at Caldicot. The fact there is no parade disgusts me. Every year we parade and pay our respects to the fallen. What’s different about this year?”
Mr Harris explained: “We are all saddened it can’t go ahead. Unfortunately the police no longer man the closures. Last year the town council provided private security to do the parade. That went ahead and they closed the road, but this year, unfortunately, we can’t get a road closure order because it was agreed that it was too pricey.
“A security element had to be provided. It was decided that because of the cost of logistics, this year it wouldn’t go ahead. Next year it is planned to be back, Monmouthshire council will provide training to individuals so we won’t need private security companies for the parade.
“It’s unfortunate that cost issues have resulted in this, but as a council we decided that, especially with the ongoing cost of living crisis, it was better to not go ahead and authorise so much money for it. We all understand how emotive this subject is - I have had a few emails myself about it.
"I completely sympathise with the thoughts and feelings of everyone expressing concern. It’s a part of Caldicot history and of course it should be preserved. I didn’t realise it would kick off as much as it has. But we have to think about the budget and we have to think about the cost of people’s council tax next year too.”
County councillor for Rogiet and Caldicot town councillor Peter Strong said the decision to cancel the parade was taken with full knowledge of the church and the Royal British Legion.
“People should be reassured that there will be proper tributes to the fallen in Caldicot this year,” he said. “There will not just be a service in the morning at the church but also a service in the afternoon on Sunday and more on Friday. Of course I would like to see the parade go ahead again next year.” It isn't the first Remembrance Day parade in Wales that has been cancelled due to logistical issues. The usual parade through the streets of Port Talbot will not be taking place this year due to an issue in staffing the event with enough police officers.
A spokesperson for The Royal British Legion said: “A parade can be an element of a Remembrance event; but this is not the event itself. There are other aspects which include the laying of wreaths, readings, and a moment of silence which can be carried out without the need for road closures. Remembrance is about bringing communities and individuals together to participate in their own way, to honour the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community, past and present.”
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