Todmorden News

The Right to March In Todmorden?

Calderdale Councillors are to decide whether to lobby the government so the people of Calderdale can honour any group of armed forces returning from war. Since 1974, the Council has been able to grant honorary freedom status to particular groups or individuals from the armed forces, but that does not include the right to march through Calderdale towns.

The only group to have that honour is the former Duke of Wellington Regiment, now the 3rd Battalion of Yorkshire Regiment, who were given that right in 1945 – almost 30 years before the law was changed. They still exercise that right to this day.

So all members of the armed forces also have the opportunity to do the same, members of the Council’s Civic Advisory Group are now recommending that councillors agree to make representations to Government for a change in the law.

Councillor Ian Cooper, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services, said the recommendation would be discussed by all members of the Council on Wednesday, December 3.

“We know the public holds our armed forces in high regard. There needs to be a change in the law so the Council can grant any group of the armed forces the right to march through any part of the district when they return from war.

“This would allow the people of Calderdale to show their respects for the men and women who bravely serve this country.”

The matter was referred to the Council’s Civic Advisory group after the proposal was suggested by a member of the public. The group have now looked at the matter in detail and have made their recommendation to all members of the Council.