A COUNCILLOR has dispelled online rumours that Bradford has cancelled Remembrance services this year.

Services for Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday will not take place at Bradford cenotaph this year due to groundworks around the memorial. Instead, services will be held at Centenary Square and City Park.

Councillor Si Cunningham, who represents Bolton and Undercliffe for Labour on Bradford Council, said: "I am dismayed to see inaccurate comments circulating on social media claiming that Bradford has cancelled Remembrance services this year.

"This is entirely false."

Details about Remembrance services taking place in Bradford city centre

On Armistice Day, Saturday, November 11, at 11am, a short service will take place in Centenary Square, led by the Dean of Bradford, The Very Reverend Andy Bowerman, and attended by the Lord Mayor. The Last Post and Reveille will be sounded and a two-minute silence observed.

On Sunday, November 12, the Lord Mayor will attend a parade and service of Remembrance in City Park. The parade will form at City Hall and make its way around the Mirror Pool. The service will start at 11am, led by the Dean of Bradford.

Those wishing to take part in the parade are asked to assemble in Centenary Square at 10.15am. Wreaths laid as part of the Remembrance Sunday service will remain in City Park in the afternoon and later transferred to the cenotaph. Access to the area around the cenotaph will be kept clear for who wishing to pay their respects before or after the service.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Gerry Barker, said: "The extensive groundworks in the area around the cenotaph has reduced the capacity of the area where the service usually takes place, and with up to 2,000 people expected to attend, we’ve taken the difficult decision to relocate the services to City Park.

"This will ensure there will be enough room for those coming to pay their respects to do so safely and with the dignity it deserves.

"After careful consideration and in consultation with various representatives we feel that changing the location this year is the right thing to do. We understand that this may come as a disappointment to some, but this decision has been taken with the safety of everyone in mind.

“The annual services of Remembrance in our district are always moving events. It is important that we continue to remember those who have lost their lives, been wounded, have suffered or are still suffering due to past and present conflicts around the world."