Sponsored by
Forces’ day facing axe
Armed Forces Day at Leigh Sports Village: Armed Forces Day at Leigh Sports Village: Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force
ONE of the region’s biggest events for members of the Armed Forces is under threat because of a lack of funding.
For a number of years Wigan Borough Veterans’ Council has hosted an event for people up and down the region to come and remember members of the Armed Forces past and present.
And last year alone the day, at Leigh Sports Village, was attended by more than 8,000 people and it is hoped that by moving the event to the DW Stadium in Wigan it will attract many more people.
But so far it has had little funding confirmed and if nothing comes forward then the event will have to be cancelled.
Although charity bosses are holding out hope that it will not come to that and they will find the £10,000 needed to run the event, which is usually held in June.
In previous years the day has been funded by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Wigan Council, but bosses say they have still not had word from either body as to whether they will receive any cash.
The MoD does not release information about funding until March, but in previous years funds from the cash-strapped council have already been confirmed by now, leaving the day’s organisers worried about what is going to happen.
Last year a lot of the borough’s councillors dipped into their Brighter Borough funding each giving £100 to help fund the event and it is expected that a similar thing will happen again this year.
Des White, chairman of the charity, said: “This is such an important event in Wigan’s calendar and means a lot to veterans of all ages as well as serving military personnel and their families. It’s a way to show our gratitude for everything the Armed Forces do for us, so it’d be such a shame to cancel it, but at this stage we’re hopeful that we’ll get funding.”
The charity, based in Platt Bridge, is considering all lines of funding including from a private company or donor.
Wigan Council’s Executive Director for Places, Gillian Bishop, said: “The council is facing significant pressure on its budgets and we must save £66m over the next four years. These are difficult times and we appreciate many community groups and organisations that carry out fantastic work may be struggling.
“As part of our drive to cut costs and prioritise vital frontline services, the council did introduce changes to the system of support for community parades.
“Whilst we have not been contacted by the association about this, we would be happy to discuss it further with them.”
If you would like to make a donation call 01942 506373.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wigan
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: East
Comments
There are 6 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
jupiter
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 03:45 PMWigan Council can find money to support their pet projects why can't they find the money to help our here?
Scarecrow
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 09:03 AMSurely this type of event should be funded by the Goverment and not Council Tax payers who are faced with massive cuts in essential public services.
Removed by moderator
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 01:57 AMLast year a sum of £6,000 was needed for this event, ( WEP ), this year a sum of £10,000 has been quoted........this event should not even need to be questioned, Wigan is a excellent recruiting base for the Army, and many of of our Young people are recruited into the Military....Wigan Council......get your priorities right...,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Removed by moderator
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 01:48 AMWigan Council’s Executive Director for Places, Gillian Bishop, said: “The council is facing significant pressure on its budgets and we must save £66m over the next four years. These are difficult times and we appreciate many community groups and organisations that carry out fantastic work may be struggling. ................... “As part of our drive to cut costs and prioritise vital frontline services, the council did introduce changes to the system of support for community parades..............OINK, OINK...PIGS IN THE TROUGH....
Removed by moderator
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 01:40 AMIF, this was a protest or a riot it would be policed for free, but celebrating what our men and women are doing in Afghanistan and remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice is not considered significant enough................
Removed by moderator
Monday, February 13, 2012 at 07:39 PMHow much does the ByoU Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Youth Work Project …………… that provides specialist provision for young people aged 11-25 years old who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. It also provides support for young people who are questioning their sexuality………………………………and The RafikiMotswako Project…………………… That provides a safe and separate space for bme young people (Refugees, asylum seekers, Black young people, European young people, etc.) cost the Wigan Council Tax payer ?
Page 1 of 1
Your view
Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.