Veterans threaten Remembrance Day boycott

 

The veterans have traditionally marched through the town via Broad Street on their way to the St Mary’s service, but with the introduction of the town’s new road system in February, they have been ordered to switch.

 

Instead, they will march up High Street from the Town Hall, down Jehu Road and Brook Street on their way on November 13. And it has created unrest in the ranks with claims that the break with tradition is unnecessary and disrespectful.

 

Matthew Dear, formerly of the Royal Artillery, said: “There is no reason to change the traditional route and many of the ex-servicemen and women I have spoken to will refuse to march as a way of protest at having to use back streets. It is disrespectful.

 

“It’s a proud day for the veterans and as we will be allowed to march up Broad Street on the way back from the service it just doesn’t seem right.”

 

However, Town Clerk Robert Robinson has defended the decision and said it was taken in consultation with the police and the British Legion: “The Town Council has no control over the decision. The Welsh Assembly Government will not close a one-way system for a parade and we cannot walk against the traffic.

 

“I am ultimately responsible for all health and safety issues which have to be considered. Walking this route worked perfectly well for the Mayor’s parade and I see no reason why it will not work again.