I AM writing in response to an article which appeared in the Bucks Free Press on September 9 under the headline "Remembrance parade in doubt due to shortage of policemen".

As the person in charge of the Buckinghamshire Operations Department for Thames Valley Police I feel it is important to address some of the issued raised, which have no doubt caused considerable concern and upset for many people.

The Princes Risborough Remembrance Day parade will go ahead.

It is a national event and the police will assist as much as reasonably possible. However, organisers of events such as these have a responsibility for the safety of those members of the public attending both as participants and spectators.

In order for events like the Remembrance parade to take place organisers need to assist police in providing marshals, conducting risk assessments and ensuring applications for road closure notices are made to local authorities in a timely manner.

In this particular case it is my understanding that the Royal British Legion will not be charged by Bucks County Council for road closure notices because it is a registered charity.

This is not a case of "political correctness gone mad", as stated in the article, it is the reality of event planning in the 21st century where the safety of the general public is paramount.

All events held within the Thames Valley Police areas of High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Chiltern and South Bucks will be scrutinised by the Buckinghamshire Operations Department to ensure the safety of the public is maintained.

Police resources are precious and we value the assistance that event organisers can provide with planning and forethought.

Letters were sent to all Royal British Legion branches regarding this year's Remembrance parades about organising road closures and requesting information to help us prepare for policing the event.

It was never suggested that officers would not be supporting the event.

I hope the organisers of this year's Remembrance Day parade in Princes Risborough are reassured by this letter that their event will be supported by police and therefore should not be considered "under threat".

Insp Chris Roberts, Buckinghamshire BCU Operations Department, Thames Valley Police