District Scout commissioner Allan Foster said he felt it would be too dangerous to have so many children marching through the town without police supervision.

“We are saddened that for the first time in more than 60 years there will not be a parade but we had to think of the safety of the children,” he said. “After a risk assessment we just could not go ahead. If we don’t have the police there we would have to hire people independently to 

marshal the occasion and we cannot afford the cost.”

Other walks and parades in the Greater Manchester Police area are also set to fall victim to the rules. The Rev Stephen Mather, of St Peter’s Church, Hindley, Wigan, believes it is another sign of Britain losing its cultural roots. 

“This is yet another example of a British tradition being kicked into touch by bureaucracy,” he said. “In the past churches have adapted and shown flexibility by cutting down on the length of parades to accommodate the system but it appears that still isn’t enough. It’s a joke.”

Tory MP Philip Davies said: “This is ridiculous. I think the police are trying it on and they should hang their heads in shame.

“Being on duty for occasions like this should be part of the service. It is what local residents contribute towards through their council tax.”

The MP for Shipley, West Yorkshire, added: “If this force believes in community policing they should be encouraging traditional events, especially those which show a pride in our country like St George’s Day.

“I feel they are overstepping the mark by taking this sort of action and they should think again.

“Then they should get out on the streets – which is what we pay them for – and allow these youngsters to enjoy their day.”

Local Tory leader Mike Winstanley said: “The situation is disgraceful. The police are distancing themselves from the events and putting the onus on the local authority.

“They should realise that they are funded by the public to do the job the public want and until they start to do it they’ll lose respect.”

Labour councillor Chris Ready described the position as “absurd” and a “PR disaster”. He added: “Community policing is more than just reacting to criminal acts.”

Independent councillor Gary Wilkes said: “It’s a sad reflection of today’s society. The police aren’t doing what they are paid for – to serve the needs of the community.”

But Divisional Police Commander Chief Superintendent Lee Bruckshaw said: “Organisers of events should contact the local authority, who will conduct a risk assessment.

“If they believe a police presence is required, they will contact us and we will reach an agreement to ensure the event runs smoothly.”