[H1]EXCLUSIVE: Public fury is rising after the future of parades and marches in Hitchin have been placed under threat after police effectively removed support for such events.[H1]

In a letter seen by Hitchin Nub News, Herts police confirmed they will no longer take responsibility for putting on, and policing road closures relating to such public occasions – effectively withdrawing their support – to leave the future of such town centre events in jeopardy.

Hitchin has a long history of such peaceable events, from Remembrance Day parades and Easter's Walk of Witness, to our town centre's Vaisakhi Festival, as well as the Scouts' St George's Day parades.

Sadly, all are now under severe threat, due to the police no longer accepting responsibility for road closures, which are essential to the smooth running and safety of parades and marches.

Hers police said in the controversial letter: "If any parade organiser can get a traffic management company to take responsibility for the road closures, we will still support the event with some officer attendance, other policing commitments allowing."

However, Nub News understands that the costs to parade organisers are prohibitive, with traffic management companies charging a whopping £2,500 for their services.

This is a cost that far exceeds the humble budgets of community bodies as the Scouts, and those involved in Remembrance Day, which honours the memory of those brave heroes who served their country in numerous conflicts around the world.

Many involved in such public-spirited, community events have been left shocked by the turn of events.

A source involved in the planning of Hitchin's annual Remembrance Day parade spoke to Nub News under condition on anonymity.

Holding back tears of emotion they said: "The police have essentially stopped this [Remembrance Day parade] from happening by forcing small organisation to pay thousands and thousands of pounds - or cancel the event.

"We've been honouring the millions that sacrificed their lives for this country - and the police can't even support a simple road closure to let this go ahead.

"I think this is disgusting behaviour."

While marches in our town are a history of peaceful gatherings, including the acclaimed Save Top Field march back in December 2014, which ultimately helped to save Hitchin Town's evocative ground, there are genuine fears that avowedly non-violent, non-political gatherings, including Remembrance Day parades will simply not survive the controversial decision taken by the police to withdraw support.

Hitchin town centre boss Tom Hardy told Nub News: "For more than half a century the police have assisted groups such as the Royal British Legion and Scout in holding up traffic to allow St Georges Day and Remembrance Day Parades to pass through.

"These parades have become an important part of the fabric of the town and are part of Hitchin's long traditions and history.

"I am disappointed that Hertfordshire Constabulary are no longer supporting these parades and, given the high costs of traffic management companies, almost all of these much loved and important parades will disappear."

District commissioner for Hitchin scouts, Tony Hankin, also shared his disappointment with Nub News.

For many years, Hitchin Scouts have held a St George's Day parade to remember St George who is the Patron Saint of Scouting.

"After two years without a parade due to Covid we were looking forward to gathering again this year," Mr Hankin said, adding: "We applied for the temporary road closure which was approved, but heard a couple of weeks ago from the police that they were no longer able to support us.

"The only way we can proceed is by using a traffic management company to close the road, which is very expensive and not a good use of our funds.

"We are naturally very disappointed that we cannot hold our parade this year as we feel this is an opportunity to show the town that Hitchin Scouting and Guiding is an important part of our local community."

Hitchin Nub News contacted the office of David Lloyd, Herts Police and Crime Commissioner for comment. He has yet to respond.

Herts Police did tell Hitchin Nub News to say: "As a constabulary will continue to assess our capacity and authority to support events on an individual basis."