ORGANISERS of Remembrance Day events in Blakedown and Churchill have announced there will be no parade this year due to a lack of resources and safety concerns.

The Blakedown and Hagley branch of The Royal British Legion holds an annual parade on Remembrance Sunday, each year alternating between Hagley, Churchill and Blakedown, and 2019 was set to be Churchill's turn to host the event.

But organisers have decided not to hold a parade this year, saying that it would "present a risk" to hold the event "without the commitment" of the local authority.

A spokesman for the branch said: "Sadly, we will not be holding a Remembrance Sunday parade this year.

"We have alternated each year between Hagley and Blakedown/Churchill, and this year was the turn of Churchill.

"As a branch of the Royal British Legion, we neither have the resources or authority to co-ordinate traffic management and public safety, and it is the responsibility of the local authority to arrange any parade that requires access to public roads.

"Without the commitment of Wyre Forest District Council, we have to consider safety and security, and felt that it would present a risk to proceed without their full support."

But Wyre Forest Council said arrangements for remembrance events are made by town councils.

A district council spokesman said: "Organisers of events may need to apply to the district council for a road closure order, where relevant.

"All traffic management and public safety arrangements are the responsibility of organisers."

Remembrance events which are taking place in Blakedown and Hagley this year include a stall outside Lex Allen Grove in Worcester Road, Hagley, between 9am and 4pm until November 9 (excluding Sundays).

The standard Remembrance Sunday service will take place at St James the Great Church in Churchill and a private wreath laying service will be held at Churchill War Memorial.

On Monday, November 11 at 11am, there will be a short service of remembrance and laying of wreaths at Hagley War Memorial.

A Royal British Legion branch spokesman added: "It would be impossible to achieve the success that we do - last year we raised a record of over £11,000 in Blakedown and Hagley alone - without the commitment and support of our volunteers and collectors.

"If there is any chance that you could spare us a couple of hours during the fortnight with a collecting tin and have the opportunity to chat to visitors to our stall, we would welcome you with open arms."

For information about wreaths and volunteering, contact Poppy Appeal organiser Jonathan Plant on 07813 785496 or jon.plant@btconnect.com.