by John Prince
Following a meeting between the Royal British Legion (RBL) and Hornsea Town Council, it has been concluded that more volunteer marshals are needed for the town’s Remembrance commemorations to go ahead in November.
The Gazette revealed a couple of weeks ago that the council was prepared to step in to help with arrangements, following logistical and communication concerns between them and the RBL over who would organise this year’s event.
St Nicholas Church and Hornsea RBL have historically handled the core of the arrangements between them.
The service and parade now seem to be back on track after the meeting, which involved other parties involved in the event.
The town council had to send a road closure application to East Riding Council, as without it the event would not have been able to go ahead.
It is understood, however, that an issue had come up regarding insurance. Marshals for the event are desperately needed, but the RBL has said that the organisation’s insurance would not cover them.
A spokesman for the Hornsea and District branch said: “Following the meeting, the RBL was asked to find road marshals for the Remembrance Sunday road closure which we agreed to.
“After the meeting we discussed that the RBL can’t ask for road marshals as they fall under the RBL insurance, and that doesn’t cover road closures.
“Therefore, as the RBL we can’t ask for road marshals.
“For Remembrance Sunday to go ahead, the council needs volunteers to help support with the road closure, and help support the RBL make this Remembrance Sunday as memorable as the last.”
Official guidance from the Royal British Legion says: “The Legion does not own or insure road closures (known as Temporary Traffic Management Orders or TTMOs).
“That is because the law relating to the safe deployment and removal of a TTMO is complex and should be left to local authorities or the police, who are the experts.
“These are formal arrangements and branches should not seek to make local arrangements with their local police or any other organisation or individuals as these would also not be covered.
“The requirements of the various health and safety regulations and Road Traffic Acts make it near impossible for a voluntary organisation to comply, leaving the branch and RBL vulnerable to the human cost of dealing with serious road accidents and liability issues.
“As a result, our insurers will not provide cover.”
Hornsea Town Council said: “The meeting with the RBL and others was very positive, and arrangements are now under way.
“We do need more road marshals for a couple of hours on Remembrance Sunday morning.
“The town council deals with insurance for activities under its own remit, but we have no knowledge of the RBL’s commitments and insurance procedures.”
The council is asking anyone who can volunteer to contact the town hall at [email protected] or 01964 532252.