A cash-strapped council has sparked fury after omitting an event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day due to a lack of funds – while advertising for a new chief executive on £205,000.
Lib Dem-run Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council confirmed there will be no official event in the harbour town of Poole to mark the anniversary on May 8.
A spokesperson for the council claimed they simply don’t have the money available to put anything on.
Instead, officials will light a beacon outside the town hall in Bournemouth while over in Christchurch there will be a wartime-themed ‘grand celebration’ on the quay.
But just last month, BCP Council had been advertising for a new chief executive with an annual salary of £205,178.
The decision not to hold an event has caused an uproar among veterans of the historic town, with some calling the move a ‘shambles’ and an ‘insult’ to Poole’s wartime heritage.
Poole played a vital role in the liberation of Europe in World War Two. It was the third largest embarkation port on the south coast for the D-Day landings that paved the way for victory in Europe.
Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Labour MP for Poole, said the historic town was being overlooked and said its residents ‘deserve better’.
He said: ‘I am dismayed that BCP Council is not planning to mark VE Day in Poole – especially given our town’s proud history and vital role in D-Day.
‘Last month I raised concerns with the council about the lack of a formal event in Poole to mark VE Day and suggested that we could have a ceremony in Poole Park on the day, at minimum cost.
‘The veterans groups are extremely upset that Poole has been overlooked.
‘It just seems like a really poorly made decision given Poole’s historic role in WWII.
‘Our community wants to honour this important anniversary. Poole residents, especially our veterans, deserve better.
‘The groups have said that they could do something in the park but they just need the council’s approval to make it official. It does not need to be an expensive event.
‘Remembrance events held in Poole in November were attended by thousands of people so there is clearly an appetite for it.’
The mayor of Poole, Pete Miles, will travel to Cherbourg on May 8 for celebrations in Normandy but he is having to fund the £55 trip out of his own pocket.
Philip Broadhead, leader of the Conservative opposition on BCP Council, said: ‘It’s shocking to see the council refuse to fund any events for this historic day in Poole.
‘It was bad enough that staple events like the Air Festival won’t return this year, but VE Day is more than just tourism – it’s about commemorating our past; and is precisely the type of thing a council should be doing.
‘Meanwhile, the council is spending millions of pounds on unpopular, blanket 20mph speed limits throughout the towns.
‘They just don’t care about the important things any more.’
Josh Brown, who served in the Royal Engineers for six years, described the lack of VE Day events in Poole as a ‘shambles’.
The 29-year-old, whose two great-grandparents served in World War Two, said: ‘Such a big event like the 80th anniversary of VE Day needs to be marked, it’s not small.
‘There are other towns and cities that are marking it. The council seems to splash the cash on irrelevant stuff, but not on what matters.
‘I am sure veterans and other members of the public will be upset about this. If this sort of thing happens then we are going to find in 10 years time that we don’t celebrate it at all.
‘World War Two veterans won’t be around forever so one hundred percent we should be chucking everything into it.
‘How much does it cost to shut a few roads for the day? They seem to manage other events.
‘I think we could have a parade in Poole as it is one of the most important towns involved with VE Day.’
Other local residents have taken to social media to vent their fury. Jon Wren said: ‘Appalling decision. Poole was one of the main embarkation points for D-Day landings and that history should be recognised and commemorated.’
Don Payne said: ‘Whoever made this decision should be thoroughly ashamed. Total disrespect for our Military Heroes. BCP you are a disgrace.’
Alasdair Collins wrote: ‘Given the part that Poole played in WW2 this is a disgraceful decision and an insult to all the veterans, some of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice. Hang your heads in shame all those involved in this decision.’
Emma Crowley posted: ‘The disregard and disrespect our council has shown to remembrance days in recent years is frankly appalling.’
A spokesperson for BCP Council said residents were being urged to stage street parties to celebrate VE Day.
Rich Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said: ‘If you would like to organise an event in Poole you are welcome to do so but we are not in a position to fund that at this point, but the events team remain ever supportive and I am sure will be helpful.’
Andy Martin, the council’s portfolio holder for culture, communications and customer, added: ‘We are proud of Poole’s history and involvement at Dunkirk during WWII and of the town’s historical naval connections.
‘To mark the 80th Anniversary of VE day we are organising a Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole wide beacon lighting ceremony, which will take place on the forecourt of the BCP Civic Centre for all residents across our area. This is the first time BCP Council will be organising an event like this to mark VE day.
‘We are working to enable and support community hosted events and have received 30 applications for VE Day Street parties across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.’