DEVON County Council (DCC) has said it is working to ensure Newton Abbot’s Remembrance Day parade is able to go ahead as normal, despite concerns that Queen Street might not be ready in time.
The town’s Remembrance Day parade takes place in around one months time, Sunday, November 10.
Typically, the parade marches through Queen Street on its way to the War Memorial.
However, with work to the road ongoing, whether the parade can proceed as normal is up in the air.
But DCC has said it is working to ensure the parade can go ahead.
A DCC spokesperson said: ‘Phase three of the scheme (Albany Street to Courtenay Street) is on course to be substantially completed, and the existing fencing removed, by the end of October.
‘Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council, and the on-site contractor are working with Newton Abbot Town Council (NATC) to ensure that the Remembrance Day parade proceeds as planned.
‘During this time, we kindly ask that all participants use the northern footway and remain mindful of their surroundings.
‘This is because construction works will be ongoing along the southern side of Queen Street (phase 4) and will continue throughout November.’
Like phase four, phases five, six and seven will also run into November, though it involves work to the junction with Devon Square, the junction with the Avenue and St Paul’s Road and the installation of signage, street furniture and road markings across the whole scheme area, including surrounding roads.
‘As president of Newton Abbot’s Royal British Legion and a councillor, I can confirm that, along with officers of NATC, we have been consulted as the project of Queen Street continues’ said Cllr Mike Joyce.
‘Having met a representative of DCC recently, assurances have been received regarding the present and proposed works along the parade route’ Cllr Joyce added.
‘Although these works and the works of the utility company taking place around the town present new challenges this year, both NATC and the RBL are confident that, following all the consultations and assurances given, the proposed parade will continue this year’ Cllr Joyce said.