Fears that road closure charges would stop popular parade addressed

Middleton Scout and Guide Associations St George’s Day Parade

Concerns that charges for road closures would see a popular annual parade not go ahead have been addressed by Councillor Allen Brett, the leader of Rochdale Borough Council.

The council leader has reassured groups that the council will fund road closures for the Middleton Saint George’s Day parade, which is run by local scouting and guides groups.

He said: “We recently contacted a number of groups to make them aware of the introduction of new charges for events that require roads to be closed, which we are having to do because of the relentless and ruthless government cuts to our funding.

“After receiving a small number of representations, which we have listened to very carefully, we are putting measures in place to ensure that our most cherished and popular events can continue to take place this year.”