A COUNCIL has quashed claims it banned a Remembrance Day parade, but is receiving criticism for scaling back the service.

Wimborne Town Council was slammed for cancelling the Remembrance parade on Sunday, November 14, but have since reiterated the event was scaled down to make it accessible.

Chairman of the council, Cllr Kelly Webb, said: “Contrary to comments made on social media at no time has the Town Council banned or cancelled a Remembrance parade.

Bournemouth Echo: The Mayor of Wimborne Minster Cllr Mrs Kelly Webb purchases the first Poppy to launch the Wimborne Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal watched over by Town Crier Chris Brown

“There was £1,500 in the Town Council’s budget this year to pay for all the necessary costs associated with Remembrance including road closures and marshals, the same as previous years.”

Claims were made that the Royal British Legion received several “abusive” phone calls after the council “cancelled” the parade.

Residents of the East Dorset town have called for a Wimborne Minister Town Council explanation, with the decision, which Cllr Webb denies, described as “disgusting”.

A statement on behalf of the council, Royal British Legion and the Minster before Remembrance Day explained: “The Town Council, in partnership with the Royal British Legion and The Minster are working hard to ensure this important event is inclusive and accessible to as many people as possible, whilst ensuring the ongoing safety of all.

“The preparations and planning for this event would ordinarily commence a year in advance but given the pandemic and Covid restrictions, this has proven very difficult and to this end, the Town Council with the Royal British Legion have chosen to scale back the event this year to ensure that it could still go ahead.

“We apologise for any upset or disappointment this may have caused.

“In response to the feedback we have received, and to accommodate as many people as possible at the event at the Minster on Sunday, November 14, at 3.00pm, speakers will be placed outside to allow this service on Sunday afternoon to be broadcast to the Minster Green.”

The Royal British Legion declined to comment.