Angry naval veterans were today in uproar after being banned from marching along Southend's Victoria Avenue to mark the anniversary of Pearl Harbour.

For the past 20 years, the Southend branch of the Royal Naval Association has held services at St Mary's Church in Prittlewell to commemorate Trafalgar Day and Pearl Harbour.

On each occasion, the veterans have marched down Victoria Avenue from the magistrates' court building with traffic being stopped for a few minutes during the parade.

For the Pearl Harbour celebrations, they are also joined by serving American servicemen from Lakenheath for the service and parade. Now they have been told they are barred from Victoria Avenue on December 7.

Royal Naval Association spokesman Bill Betson said: "Sunday is the quietest day of the week. I would have thought there was little problem in closing Victoria Avenue for a short time."

Southend Council leader Howard Briggs said: "In the past, some of the parades have caused absolute chaos, and I do not think it is unreasonable they should parade on slightly less important streets near St Mary's Church."

Published Thursday November 20, 2003

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