West Bromwich St George's march gets drink ban warning

About 20,000 people are set to take to the streets of West Bromwich to celebrate St George's Day this weekend.

The popular annual parade returns to the town on Sunday after organisers from the Stone Cross St George Association faced a race against time to raise the £10,000 needed to ensure it could go ahead. Crowds will start gathering at the assembly point in Westminster Road, Stone Cross, at 10am for entertainment including a Punch and Judy show.

There will also be clowns and balloon modelling, speeches and a special surprise, before the march itself gets under way at 10.30am.

A range of special guests have also been lined up, including Baggies legend Bob Taylor.

The procession will head along Marsh Lane, Walsall Road, Heath Lane, Church Vale, Dagger Lane and Lloyd Street before entering Dartmouth Park.

Sandwell Council withdrew its financial support for the event following claims that the 2008 parade had been hijacked by political extremists, while there were also reports of anti-social behaviour and illegal drinking of alcohol along the route.

Organisers of this year's event have urged anyone planning to attend to leave alcohol at home so they don't risk jeopardising future parades.

Police have warned that drinking on the streets, which is banned throughout Sandwell, will not be tolerated and drink found will be confiscated and could mean permission will not be granted for road closures and other regulations in future.

Mark Cowles, from the Stone Cross St George Association, said: "If people are caught drinking, it threatens next year."

By Chris Moriarty