A REMEMBRANCE parade is to return to the streets of Hove, one year after it was scrapped.

The traditional march by veterans after the service at the Hove War Memorial was cancelled last year due to a “dwindling number of veterans” and a “lack of police officers”.

But this year, following an outcry by residents, veterans will once again proudly march through the streets of Hove, albeit on a scaled back procession.

Following a remembrance service and wreath laying at the war memorial in Grand Avenue, Hove, veterans will march up Grand Avenue and The Drive to the church service at All Saints.

The parade route has been significantly shortened from when veterans marched through the town from Hove Town Hall.

The Royal British Legion and Brighton and Hove City Council, who both run the event, scrapped it citing a falling number of veterans to march and marshal the parade. They also said Sussex Police could only offer the half the number of officers they would normally provide due to a lack of resources.

Councillor Mary Mears, chairwoman of the Brighton and Hove Royal British Legion, said the march would return after residents complained about its removal.

She said: “Because there was not a march last year, residents felt very strongly about it. We have made a compromise and the route will be shorter.”

Dudley Button, president of the Brighton and Hove Royal British Legion, said: “We had meetings after the remembrance event last year and throughout the year we raised with the city council how upset the Royal British Legion and the people of Hove were that the march had been scrapped.

“I then came up with the compromise – if it started at the War Memorial, it could go straight up the road, and there wouldn’t be too much trouble crossing over traffic.

“That idea was then taken back to the council and they decided to change their minds about the parade.”

Councillor Dawn Barnett, for Hangleton ward, who was one of the most vocal critics of the removal of the parade, welcomed its return.

She said: “It is really good news. People really look forward to it and it encourages the children – our next generation – to show respect.

“Mums and dads bring their children and it is something they carry on with. If it all stops in Hove the children have no way to learn about respect.

“Hopefully it will continue and they will grow up with it and do the same with their own children.”

On Sunday there will be a service and wreath laying in Grand Avenue, Hove, at 2.30pm. Veterans will then march to All Saints Church for a service that starts at 3pm for all to attend.