POLICE guidelines for ensuring safety in parades and public events have hit another time-honoured Bromsgrove tradition.

The St George's Day parade of the Bromsgrove District Scouts Association has taken place for more than 60 years with a procession through the town to a service at St John's Church.

But this year, the scouts will simply assemble in Crown Close on Sunday and make their way straight to the church in St John's Road.

West Mercia Constabulary recently implemented new national guidelines from the Association of Chief Police Officers on the policing of events on the highway.

The guidelines mean the police are unable to provide officers for traffic management at all public events, so several organisers are having to rethink their plans or bring in outside help.

Earlier this month, the Advertiser/Messenger revealed the Fair Day parade and the Bromsgrove Carnival may need extra volunteers or professional help to ensure safety.

Scout district commissioner Val Fitzpatrick said they would consult the police to ensure their parade can go ahead next year.

She said: "If we'd had more time, we could have got together to sort out the safety aspects.

"As long as I can remember, we have always had a St George's Day parade and we will have one next year.

"We have always had brilliant support from Bromsgrove police and I know we will get it in the future."

Sgt Andy Chinn, of Bromsgrove police, said they were trying to allocate resources efficiently and they would continue to work with organisations to ensure safety at events.