GWENT veterans who faced fanatical Japanese and the might of the German military machine have been brought to an abrupt halt - by health and safety regulations.

For the first time since 1926, when members of the Royal British Legion first marched at the head of a parade of cadets, Scouts and Guides in Newbridge, they will not be turning out for the nation's most solemn day.

"The way in which we remember those who gave their lives for their country has barely changed over 80 years," former RAF man and president of the Newbridge branch of the Royal British Legion, Bill Pinney fumed.

"We have called the whole thing off because what was left to us would have been a travesty.

"You get the distinct feeling that the people who make these rules have never picked up anything more than a pen in anger but are quite capable of upsetting men and women who have risked their all."

What Newbridge's old soldiers are calling the 'armchair warriors' of Caerphilly council have demanded that in order to comply with health and safety regulations roads around Parry's Square should be closed on November 9 as the 100-strong parade assembles.

"They are demanding that the road be closed for an hour-and-a-quarter from 10.45am bringing the centre of the town to a standstill" Mr Pinney said.

"In the past it has been just three policemen to hold up the traffic as we went by.

"People didn't need all this health and safety business.

"Traffic knew to steer clear when there was a parade."

"At first the council indicated that since they did not think Remembrance Day was a civic occasion the Legion would have to pay £5000 for insurance.

"This was thrown out by elected council members but the council is still sticking to its preposterous stance over the road closures.

"Normally the march and service takes two hours.

"The time the council is allowing us barely gives us time to form up for the two-minute silence. It is certainly not enough time to remember the dead of two world wars and many smaller engagements right up until the present time.

"Quite apart from the insult this farce has already cost ex-serving and serving men and women the help that is due to them.

"Our Poppy Appeal organiser Ken Merriot has been so busy trying to reason with these people that it has taken some his attention away from the vital task of raising funds.

"I don't suppose any of the people who make the rules have been in the forces unless it was the Royal Corps of Jobsworths".

Council 'supports branch plans'

A spokesman for Caerphilly county borough council said, "We are disappointed to hear that the Legion has rejected the compromise that was reached with local branch representatives earlier this week.

"We were notified of their decision yesterday and have now agreed to meet again with a view to resolving the matter.

"The council has already made a commitment that no costs will be incurred for the organisation of these important community events and we will continue to support the Royal British Legion with their plans."

Mr Pinney who served through the Battle of Britain, in the Middle East and in the Far East against the Japanese in World War Two said no meeting had been arranged.

He added: "All we have agreed is to take some council proposals back to the membership."