An army veteran and pub landlord has expressed his anger over council interference in the annual Remembrance Day parade he organises.

Thomas Furber, of the Foresters Arms in Hampton Wick, has been organising community parties and Remembrance Day events for the past twelve years.

This year he was not sure if the parade would be allowed because the council told him he would have to get a permit for the road to be temporarily closed, where as in previous years he didn't need a permit.

Mr Furber said: “There is no other more important day other than the Queen’s birthday for military.

“I have been a very good publican for the past five years, it’s left a such a bitter taste in my mouth.”

He added: “The council is there to support the community not diminish it, but to be honest it seems like a constant battle.”

As a veteran, Mr Furber was surprised when he moved to the area and found out there was little recognition of Remembrance Day, so he decided to organise his own event which has grown over the years.

Last year there were 700 people in attendance at the service which was one of the largest congregations outside central London.

Richmond Council says it has permitted half the road to be closed for the parade and the event, which includes the laying of a wreath, and a rendition of the Last Post.

A council spokesman said: “As far as we are aware the parade is going ahead. A permit was obtained, and the road is going to be closed.”

Mr Furber says he will be asking police to encourage drivers to switch off their ignitions for a two-minute silence, as has happened in previous years.

He added: “On Remembrance Day, the police who do it get the engines to stop and it’s a fantastic moment. That junction never gets shut down ever, it’s a main artery into London.”

“It’s chilling, you can hear the bells on the other side of the river it is so quiet on the bridge.”

If you would like to get involved in this year’s parade and Remembrance Day services meet at the Foresters from 9:30am on Sunday 12. The parade runs from there along the high street to Hampton Wick War Memorial.