Remembrance row as service is called off

EVENT 'REQUIRED RISK ASSESSMENT'

- By EDWARD BARNES

AUTHORITIES have explained why a Remembrance service in Merseyside cannot go ahead next month after public anger over its cancellation.

The event in Upton, which previously has seen around 1,000 people attend, will not take place this year.

A letter has been posted by the Upton branch for the Royal British Legion in Wirral, telling people of the news, which has now been circulated on social media.

Wendy Meade, the branch secretary, said Wirral Council told her they could not take out insurance as it was not their event, and a risk assessment was needed.

The council said: "If we sound a bit pedantic on this, following incidents like the one at the Liverpool Parade we need to keep everyone safe," adding only the police had the power to introduce a road block.