VETERANS have been told they will not be able to follow their usual Remembrance Sunday parade route through a North Yorkshire town because they could be at risk from a terrorist attack.

In the past, old soldiers have marched up Frenchgate in Richmond on their way from a service at St Mary's Church to the war memorial at the foot of Gallowgate, where they observe a few moment's silence.

However, police have decided cars parked along Frenchgate represent a security risk.

As a result, veterans will have to make their way along Station Road, Dundas Street and Pottergate.

Some are worried they will not be able to cope with the steeper gradients and have won an ally in the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Stuart Parsons, who has written to the chief constable on their behalf.

"We are now faced with the prospect of selective participation or, even worse, of a parade which swells and shrinks at particular sections of the designated route. That is surely not a very dignified or respectful way of remembering those who gave their lives so we might live."

However, Sergeant Mick Griffiths, of Richmond police, said attempts to solve the problem of parked cars had proved fruitless in the past.

"We were not always able to identify the owners of visiting vehicles and we could not clear Frenchgate completely," he said.

"Those residents who did co-operate quite rightly felt somewhat aggrieved that they made the effort but other vehicles remained there.

"We must be able to guarantee safety and security and, for that reason, we have made this change."