HUNDREDS of people pay tribute to Winsford war heroes at the town's annual remembrance Sunday parade and service.

A record crowd joined veterans and civic dignitaries last year to mark the centenary of the First World War.

This year, the town's parade route will be shorter because of new rules, the town council was told at a meeting on Monday evening.

Northwich Guardian:

Uniformed youth organisations pay tribute to the fallen at last year's Winsford Remembrance Sunday parade

In the past, police officers have been used to close roads when traffic management should now be funded by event organisers.

Winsford town council clerk Mark Bailey told councillors that police officers will still be present at this year's commemoration on Sunday, November 10.

However, it is not possible to continue with the same route and slight changes have been introduced.

Chester West and Cheshire Council is footing the bill this year, he said, but in future the town council will have to include the cost of road closures in their annual budget.

Northwich Guardian:

Hundreds of people are expected to join war veterans for the annual Remembrance Sunday parade in Winsford

"This is a very important service for Winsford," said Mr Bailey. "We did try to retain the existing route but we were unable to do so. Hopefully we will go back to the original route next year.

"The police have fulfilled the role of closing roads for many years, often during their own time and we are very grateful for all their support."

The town council has discussed the proposed changes with the Royal British Legion.

Full details of the road closures will be announced nearer the time.

CWAC says there are 26 Remembrance Sunday events across the borough and the council is committed to ensuring that all acts of remembrance and laying of wreaths is protected.

A CWAC spokesman said: "A review carried out by the police has highlighted that police officers are being used to close roads when the more appropriate approach is for event organisers to apply for road closures, meaning that on November 10, 2019, a reduced number of police officers will be providing traffic management across Cheshire.

"We have concluded that traffic management this year will be provided through our Highways contractor Ringway and will be paid for by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

"From 2020, police will not be providing any traffic management service on Remembrance Sunday."