BIRMINGHAM’S Remembrance Day Service and Parade could be slashed this year after falling victim to council public spending cuts.

The sombre procession at the Hall of Memory in Centenary Square, led by the Lord Mayor, is one of several civic events earmarked for possible savings.

But the prospect horrified members of the council’s main scrutiny committee who said saving money on Remembrance Day would send out the wrong message when members of Britain’s armed forces continue to risk their lives in trouble spots across the world.

The parade is likely to be particularly emotive this year because the new Lord Mayor of Birmingham will be Labour councillor Anita Ward, whose soldier son was seriously wounded before Christmas when his patrol was ambushed in Afghanistan.

Lance Sergeant Vincent Hockley was one of five Irish Guardsmen shot in the attack which left one of his colleagues dead.

He is convalescing after being treated at hospital in Birmingham.

Former Lord Mayor John Alden said it was “disgraceful” that the council should be considering saving money on Remembrance Day.

Coun Alden (Con Harborne) added: “It would be an absolute tragedy if we were to reduce the impact of what is a very moving event for many people.”

Deputy Labour group leader Ian Ward warned that Birmingham’s reputation would be damaged if the service was curtailed.