FOR many years the Rotherfield and District Scout parade through the streets of Alton has been an iconic tribute to St George, England’s patron saint.

But this year it nearly didn’t take place as there was no-one to stop the traffic.

Deputy district commissioner Malcolm Vincent spoke on Monday of the problem he faced trying to find someone with the authority to stop the traffic for the parade to make its way along Market Street, via Turk Street, to the Maltings Centre, and back again.

He said: “Two weeks ago, because of cuts in their funding, the police are no longer allowed to stop the traffic for such events.

The community police can but can’t give a guarantee they will be there on the day to do it.

“I have been offered to take a course, which would cost me several hundred pounds, to learn how I can legally put traffic closures in place, but it is too expensive.

“So I wasn’t sure what we would do with 450 Scouts due to assemble in the Market Square on St George’s Day on Sunday (April 23) and with no guarantee the community police would show up.

“As it was they did arrive and the parade went ahead, but it is sad as this was St George’s Day and the whole reason for the parade, which nearly didn’t take place, is to highlight the presence of Scouting which is for the youth of this country.”

Mr Vincent added: “It was also sad that mine was the only St George’s flag flying at my house that I could see in the town.”

Despite road closure problems beforehand, the annual parade was, as always, a great success, and it was attended by Rotherfield and District Scouting president Sir James Scott, deputy president Major Ian Whitaker, deputy town mayor Dean Phillips, the mayor and mayoress of Whitehill David and Cynthia Cooper, and former Alton councillor Pam Bradford.

In warm, sunny weather people lined the streets as the Scouts, Beavers, Cubs and Explorers that make up the district contingent marched proudly down Market Street and Turk Street and up Windmill Hill to The Maltings, with music provided by the Second Alton Boys’ Brigade Band.

At Turk Street, the salute was taken by district commissioner Mark Hughes and Simon McCowen, Hampshire Scouting county deputy president.

There was a change from the usual pattern of the parade at The Maltings, for instead of a service, a group of Wayfarers Explorers performed a modern version of the story of George and the Dragon.

This was followed by the presentations of the Chief Scouts Awards and the renewal of promises, ending with the national anthem.

Pleased the parade had gone so well, Mr Vincent said: “For the first time in a long time it was actually held on St George’s Day.

“Now I have a year to plan how I can get a guaranteed traffic control programme in place so that we can hold the parade in 2018.”