Remembrance services across Kriklees facing the axe

It follows a request by the Royal British Legion for local authorities to take on responsibility for events held in their boroughs.

And with potentially up to 60 services earmarked for its area Kirklees Council has advised that organising such a large number “won’t be possible”.

That move has led to criticism of decisions being made behind closed doors.

The council’s civic office is currently working on how the authority will commemorate Armistice Day and what its Remembrance Service will look like.

In a communication released in August it said: “Ultimately what we deliver will take account of Government and local guidance nearer the time in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In future years the council hopes to hold a civic event in Huddersfield and another in North Kirklees.

Reacting to the news Councillor Martyn Bolt (Con, Mirfield), said he was concerned that the public had been excluded from what he described as “a key decision”.

He said: “Somebody away from the public gaze has made this decision to cancel 60 events.

Decisions that affect so many communities in Kirklees should be made by those elected to have that responsibility, and after consultation.

“You should not dictate to people whether they can or cannot remember those that gave their lives in the service of this country.”

Coun Bolt, who is also Town Mayor of Mirfield, said the council’s decision was not related to the coronavirus outbreak but was instead a “policy statement”.

He said it affected villages and towns such as Mirfield that held an annual gathering at war memorials and cenotaphs, which were in the care of the council.

In that respect remembrance services are the responsibility of the council and he called on it to deliver them as a civic duty.

He added: “Many areas will proudly organise their remembrance services.

“In Mirfield the town council put money into the event because funds raised by the Royal British Legion is spent on welfare. It should not be spent on brass bands.

“Therefore the town council pays for the support of the Remembrance Day parade.

“Other areas are not so fortunate. Before Kirklees Council pulled the plug they should have entered into consultation with their communities. There should have been dialogue from the start.”

He said guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government showed outdoor remembrance services were not limited to 30 people.

And even though gatherings are not encouraged to sing and to use recorded music rather than a live band, communities could adapt to current circumstances and safely organise a “symbolic” event.

He said: “How many more decisions are Kirklees making behind closed doors that affect us?

“Do people want their decisions made in public or are they happy to see liberties eroded?”

Last week Dewsbury MP Mark Eastwood raised the issue of remembrance services in the House of Commons.

He said: “Mirfield is home to what has been reported as the largest remembrance parade outside of London, with Dewsbury not far behind and large services also held in Kirkburton and Denby Dale.

“I hope that ministers will give assurances that remembrance services, albeit with smaller numbers, can go ahead this year so we can show respect to the war dead and our veterans.”

At a meeting on September 30, Mirfield Town Council reaffirmed its commitment to commemorating Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day and other commemorations.

It pledged to maintain and, where needed, enhance its financial support to such events and called on Kirklees Council to guarantee future support to memorials in the town “and the increasing demands to deliver the annual parade, service and other similar events.”