Green Party members on Northumberland County Council refused to back plans for a military parade through the streets of Hexham, claiming it was the wrong time to celebrate "militarism".
The 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, which has been based at Northumberland's Albermarle Barracks since 2015, requested permission to march through the streets of Hexham and hold a ceremony on July 16 to reflect the "significant changes" they are facing in terms of the equipment the regiment uses.
3RHA was awarded the Freedom of Northumberland in 2016 by the county council in recognition of their service to the people of the county and in recognition of the "vital tasks" they carry out, and sought the council's support for the "major event" and to exercise that freedom.
