THERE has been fury in response to the news Barry Town Council will not be holding a Remembrance parade this year due to health and safety concerns.
In a Facebook post on October 25, Wales’ largest town council announced they would not hold a Remembrance parade because they cannot overcome health and safety challenges at this late stage.
The decision has created derision online with the people of Barry shocked the town will not march for the warriors who marched for them a century ago and died in pursuit of freedom.
One person wrote online “shameful decision” while another said “disgraceful”.
Ms Claire Coelho summed up the sorry state of affairs, writing: “A sad decision by Barry Town Council not to support Veterans in Barry. This has taken place for many years, why stop this year?”
One of the most vocal critics of the decision was the 372 Barry Squadron Royal Air Force Air cadets who said: “Would love someone from the council to come to 372 Barry Royal Airforce Cadets and apologise for all the practice they have been putting in for the parade.”
There is STILL, to be a Remembrance Service held on Sunday, November 12, at the Cenotaph and an indoor service at Memo Arts Centre afterwards.
One of the key reasons Barry Town Council gave for not hosting the parade was “new Royal British Legion policy” apparently says local authorities take on additional responsibilities, and, after a Vet was injured in a parade in England in 2018, BTC say health and safety concerns could not be overcome.
However, while an RBL spokesperson said parades are civic functions, they said the Legion was happy to assist if required and distanced the Legion from the decision not to host the parade.
An RBL spokesperson said: “Local Remembrance services and parades are civic functions that are attended and supported by the Royal British Legion, and while we are happy to be consulted and provide assistance to organisers, the Legion is not responsible for, nor takes any final decisions regarding the delivery of these events.”
Leader of Barry Town Council, Councillor Bronwen Brooks said BTC was still committed to honouring those who gave their lives for freedom.
Cllr Brooks said: “Barry Town Council is committed to providing a Remembrance Service for the people of Barry and honouring those who gave their lives for us and our freedom.
“We have worked with Royal British Legion for many years to create a lovely service and will continue to do so, where we are able.
“Hopefully, RBL and Barry Town Council can work together on these issues next year.”
RBL Barry Vice Chair Teresa Goodwin explained what was now planned on the day in question
Ms Goodwin said: “While Barry Town Council is no longer delivering Barry’s Remembrance parade, we are looking forward to welcoming the Armed Forces Community in Barry to a shortened parade and Cenotaph service in the grounds of Barry Memorial Hall at 10:15am on Sunday, November 12.
“This will then be followed by a special service inside The Memo Arts Centre."
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