Organisers of the nine-day Veterans' Week events came under fire this week as members from the National Service Veterans Association said they planned a boycott due to poor transport and parking arrangements.

But today Major Jim Houldsworth, chairman of the Fylde ex-service liaison organising committee, said plans were already in place to offer free spaces and a park and ride scheme for the flagship event at the cenotaph on June 27.

Plans

Maj Houldsworth said: "There were representatives from all 28 associations present when we announced transport plans at the last meeting.

"We said we would give more details about parking and travel arrangements but decided to hold off making a formal announcement because we knew we were putting together an information leaflet that is due to be released today.

"I can confirm there will be free parking on Veterans' Day Friday June 27 and also a shuttle bus service will run to make sure people can get access to the events."

The Blackpool branch of the National Service Veterans Association had raised concerns that parking and transport problems would make it difficult for their elderly members to attend many of the planned activities at North Pier.

John Black, secretary of the association's Blackpool branch, said around 100 members from Birmingham had cancelled plans to attend the week because of their concerns.

He said: "It's supposed to be for the veterans but it's purely a marketing exercise.

"We feel we deserve to be treated with far more respect.

"Some veterans are in frail health and the car parks are too far away for them to walk to North Pier.

"We're all on pensions and some can't afford the car park fees."

But Maj Houldsworth said the condemnation was unfair as it is ex-service groups who have been instrumental in the plans.

He said: "This event has not been organised by the council although they have been very helpful with our plans, but by veterans themselves.

"All the groups have been working very hard to put this event together, it has been entirely veteran led and stands to be a great event."

Organisers are disappointed the midlands contingent will miss out but say veterans from around the world will be welcomed into Blackpool for Veterans' Week, Saturday June 21 until Sunday 29.

Anyone sporting their veteran's badge will receive a special voucher booklet with offers and discounts to Blackpool attractions, shops, cafés and restaurants.

Information about Veterans' Day 2008 and how to get the voucher can be found at www.veterans-uk.info or by calling the free Veterans UK Helpline on 0800 169 22 77.