THE organiser of Stanford-le-Hope's annual remembrance service has pre-empted any official announcement from Thurrock Council to alert residents to the news that because of coronavirus there are likely to be no official public remembrance services in the borough this November.

David Meacham has been somewhat critical of the lack of planning and communication from Thurrock Council in recent weeks but now says he is taking the lead from the Royal British Legion – whose advice he describes as 'a big blow'.

In an open letter to the people of Stanford, he says: "It is with deep regret that after many months of worrying, despite organising and trying to work with Thurrock Council in planning, Remembrance Day in Stanford the Royal British Legion have spoken to me and have stringently informed me that we must not arrange any parade or function regarding Remembrance Day.

"All due to COVID 19 and the resulting Pandemic, therefore, effectively Remembrance Day events are formally cancelled.

• Road Closures are NOT in place.

• As per Government rules, no more than six people may gather at any one time!

"I thank everybody that has offered to assist, both in the Remembrance committee and others. I hope that Remembrance Day 2021, will be easier to organise. I cannot tell you all how sorry I feel but I believe I could not try any harder to work within the Council's guidelines.

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"Then to be overruled by the Royal British Legion is a big blow, and all down to COVID19!

"If you wish to contact me, and you are not privy to my contact details, then please do so via Facebook messenger."

Related story: Council finally responds to Remembrance request.