REMEMBRANCE Sunday parades in Oldbury and Rowley Regis are to be replaced by virtual tributes this year in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The salute to the war dead is normally marked in Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton,West Bromwich and Wednesbury with large crowds in attendance and parades which health bosses fear could increase rates of infections.

Council bosses say Remembrance tributes will now be replaced by virtual events.   

They also announced today (Tuesday) that there will be no Christmas-lights switch on events across the borough and no council-organised public fireworks display in Sandwell this year.

Cllr Maria Crompton, deputy leader for Sandwell Council, said: “We’ll be doing all we can to mark Remembrance Sunday in a safe way.

“A decision will be taken in the coming weeks on how best to do this, given that the current high Covid-19 infection rates and restrictions will inevitably prevent large-scale public events. 

“We’re awaiting national guidance on commemorating Remembrance Sunday and working on how Sandwell will mark the day in a Covid-safe way.

“It is so important that we still pay tribute to all of those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts – and we are already looking at a series of virtual Remembrance activities as part of our planning for November. 

“We’ll release more details on this later in the month once we have received national guidance.”

Other events such as firework displays and Christmas celebrations which can attract hundreds of spectators have also been cancelled as council chiefs prioritise public health. 

Cllr Crompton added: “Sadly, and it won’t come as a surprise to people that we won’t be able to mark Bonfire Night in the usual way and there will not be a council-organised public fireworks display in Sandwell this year.

“We’re also looking at ways to celebrate Christmas virtually and, although sadly we won’t be able to have Christmas lights switch-on events that people can attend, we will of course be putting up lights in our town centres as we do each year. 

“This will help support local traders and businesses after a very challenging year, as well as brightening up our town centres for shoppers and our communities.

“Our number one priority is to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Sandwell and to keep our communities safe – while making sure these important occasions are observed despite the virus meaning we can’t hold physical events attended by the hundreds of people who usually enjoy them.”