THERE will be no Remembrance parade in Northwich next month as the annual event is scaled back due to coronavirus restrictions.

Northwich Town Council members agreed on plans for this year’s event, which comes 75 years following the end of the Second World War, at Monday night’s meeting.

Usually, the town’s Remembrance event includes a parade, a service, an act of remembrance at the Northwich War Memorial, a parade return and refreshments at Brio Memorial Court.

But this year’s event will be restricted to a service at St Helen’s Witton Church, with a limited number of guests invited to take part, before town mayor Cllr Kevin Rimmer will lay a wreath on behalf of Northwich residents.

Wreaths will then be moved to the War Memorial following the service, and other organisations will be able to lay their own wreaths later in the day over staggered times to allow for social distancing.

The event will be broadcast online to give residents who would usually attend the opportunity to see the service and act of Remembrance from home.

Chris Shaw, town clerk, said: “We have been in discussions [with the Royal British Legion and St Helen’s Witton Church] to still remember all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but to undertake the event as safely as possible for those attending.

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“A full risk assessment and Covid-control measures will be drawn up to ensure the safety of all attending the event.

“All partners realise this is not the way we wish to remember, but we feel we have come up with the best solution available to us, while still remembering all that gave the ultimate sacrifice.”

Wreaths will still be available to purchase from the Royal British Legion.