Local Businessman Praised After Saving St Georges Day Parade With £9,000 Donation

A local businessman stepped in to rescue a community event, covering the £9, 000 needed for traffic management so the st georges day Scout parade in Romford can go ahead. The donor said he was “overwhelmed” by praise but insisted he was “not a hero. “

How St Georges Day Parade Was Saved

The payment was made by Dean Floyd, chief executive of Chigwell Construction, after organisers faced the prospect of cancellation when they were told temporary traffic management arrangements would be required. Councillor Michael White celebrated the fundraising and said the parade will now take place.

Mr Floyd said he provided the funds because he was “disgusted” by what he described as a poor decision to cut funding for an event that involves children and Scout groups. He added that he and his company carry out charitable and social-value work with housing associations in the area, and that the donation was intended simply to help the local community.

When asked about the response from locals, Mr Floyd said the praise had been overwhelming and recounted offers of thanks from residents, but repeated that he was “not a hero. ” A member of the council contacted him about the parade’s situation, prompting his intervention.

Why The Parade Nearly Faced Cancellation

Local leaders and the town’s Member of Parliament argued the parade was at risk because organisers were asked to fund a traffic management plan that could cost roughly £9, 000, an expense described as prohibitive for Scout groups. The MP said the council’s move to require paid traffic management was unnecessary while pointing to a wider debate about policing and event responsibilities.

Council representatives and local policing leaders outlined why the requirement had been imposed. The local Safety Advisory Group invited the Scouts to a meeting to clarify legal requirements and the steps needed for processions using the public highway. Police leadership emphasised their support for the parade but said that, in line with national guidance, road closures and traffic control now sit with event organisers and local authorities so officers can focus on wider safety duties.

Separately, it was argued that a recently passed national security measure will not yet impose new legal duties, because the government set an implementation period of 24 months and the relevant authority has confirmed the law has not taken effect. That point was used to challenge the necessity of the council’s approach to the Scouts.

Community Reaction And Next Steps

Local politicians and community figures expressed relief that the parade will proceed after the donation. The Scouts were invited to work with the Safety Advisory Group to ensure the event meets the legal and safety requirements that apply to processions on public roads.

Organisers, councillors and police partners face the immediate task of finalising a plan that satisfies safety checks while minimizing costs to volunteer groups. The donation removed the immediate threat of cancellation, but the exchange has prompted local debate over who should bear the cost of temporary traffic arrangements for traditional community events like the st georges day Scout parade.

The parade is now slated to proceed following the fundraising intervention, and local leaders say they will continue discussions aimed at finding a sustainable solution for future events.