Red tape casting doubts over London churches Good Friday procession

The New Testament Church of God, St Andrew’s Church of England, St Mary Magdalen and Willesden Green Baptist Church were granted permission to hold a procession but were told by Brent Council that they would only be allowed to march on the pavements.

With hundreds of people from their congregations expected to participate, the churches say that keeping to the pavements is “unrealistic” and likely to disrupt pedestrians.

They fear that unless the local council grants permission for the procession to take place on the roads they may be forced to call off the annual celebration out of concern for the health and safety of marchers and pedestrians.

In previous years, the churches have held the procession on the roads using their own officers to control the traffic.

Sarah Teather, Lib Dem MP for Brent Central, has written to Brent Council asking them to reconsider their decision and allow participants of the Good Friday March to walk on the roads.

She said: “It is important that the Good Friday procession is allowed to take place on the roads.

“Brent is a multicultural area. The turnout at the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade shows that many people appreciate the celebrations of cultures other than their own.

“I have written to Brent Council asking them to reconsider their decision to make the Good Friday procession take place on the pavement.

"This provision is not only impractical, but also does not allow the people of Brent to fully enjoy the event.”

The march is due to set off at 1pm from the Convent of Jesus and Mary Infant School on Park Avenue and end at 2pm at St Andrew’s Church of England on St Andrew’s Road.