The annual St George's Day parade in Collier Row, Romford, which brings Scout groups together yearly to honor England's patron saint, is under threat. Plans for the parade may be abandoned this year, causing 'outrage' among locals. The traditional parade may not be able to go ahead unless £9,000 traffic management costs are covered.
The yearly parade faces cancellation this year unless a traffic management firm is contracted to manage temporary road closures. Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford (Reform UK), estimated the expense of hiring a traffic management company could reach approximately £9,000. He suggested the £9,000 cost would 'clearly be a very significant and prohibitive expense' for Scout organisations.
Andrew Rosindell said the event is a 'long-standing tradition' that is 'much-loved by our local community'. He added: 'The Scout movement across our borough do tremendous work for young people in Romford and Havering. I hope common sense will prevail so that this annual parade and celebration can continue so that people of all ages in Romford are permitted to celebrate St.
' Andrew Rosindell said: 'It would be outrageous if this long-standing celebration of St. George's Day had to be cancelled because of unnecessary red tape. ' Havering Council states traffic management arrangements are necessary because police no longer assist local parades with road closures or traffic control, as they previously did.
A representative for Havering Council stated the authority 'recognises the long tradition of the St George's Day Scout Parade and understands how important it is to the community'. ' Havering Council stated: 'The Metropolitan Police, along with the emergency services and relevant Council departments, sit on Havering's Safety Advisory Group (SAG). ' Havering's Safety Advisory Group (SAG) has invited the Scouts to a meeting to clarify legal requirements and what the Council needs to facilitate the parade safely and lawfully.
The leader of the opposition at Havering Council has hailed the generosity of patriotic locals for helping save their annual St George's Day parade. Councillor Michael White celebrated the fundraising efforts of residents who have saved the annual parade, which was threatened with cancellation. The parade's future hinges on resolving the traffic management issue, with ongoing discussions between organisers and authorities.
Community support has been crucial, as residents rally to preserve this cherished local event. The situation highlights broader challenges for small-scale parades facing increased costs due to changes in police support. Efforts continue to find a sustainable solution that allows the parade to proceed safely and affordably.