Campaign to save Remembrance Day Parade goes online

A CAMPAIGN the save the remembrance day parade in Horwich has gone online.

Jean Rostron, aged 60, from Hope Street North, Horwich, has set up the online petition to be sent to Gordon Brown because she is outraged that the Horwich parade will not ahead this year.
In previous years, police had organised a "rolling roadblock" free of charge to clear the way for the parade but now officers say roads must be closed for safety reasons.

Organisers say they cannot foot the £2,000 bill for road closures and have set up a fund for donations in an attempt to make sure it goes ahead.

Mrs Rostron's great uncle, Harry Rostron, and brother-in-law, William Broughton, both from Bolton, died during World War Two.

She said: "I have emailed Gordon Brown and the Queen because this health and safety ruling is going to affect parades all over the country.

"I have walked in the Horwich parade for 35 years and I have encouraged my children and grandchildren to take part because it is so important. Our servicemen gave their all and we should keep honouring them."

Mrs Rostron said if the parade did not go ahead, she would follow the route on the pavement in her disability scooter in any case.

"I'll have a portable stereo playing band music in the basket and a Union Jack on the front," she said.
"That is how strongly I feel about it."

Bernard McCartin, British Legion representative for Horwich, said: "People have the right to freedom of speech and should be able to express this to the government if they wish.  "Regardless of what happens, we will definitely still be having a service."

If the parade cannot be saved, Mayor of Horwich Ken Denton and town council chairman Cllr Steve Rock will lay wreaths at the Loco Works war memorial and the Public Hall, in Lee Lane, respectively at 11am, before an outdoor service at the Lever Park Avenue memorial.

To sign the petition visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk and enter "Horwich" in the search box.

Source: www.boltonnews.co.uk

Original Story: War heroes insulted as Remembrance Day Parade Cancelled over fears of being sued