10:53am Saturday 11th July 2009
EVERY shop in Romsey bar one threw their weight behind the Daily Echo Salute The Tigers campaign.
Only the Post Office refused to put up posters backing soldiers from the 1st Battalion, the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1PWRR), who will be marching past their windows in a few days time.
Many requested two or more posters and have ordered flags and other decorations to make the day special.
The importance of the march was tragically highlighted with the news that one of the Tigers was killed in a battle with insurgents near Lashkar in Afghanistan on Thursday.
The soldier, who is believed to be from Sussex, is one of ten British servicemen who have died in just ten days.
Post Office staff said they wanted to support the Hampshire heroes who have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan but they were not allowed to put up any third party material.
Company bosses were unavailable for comment.
The homecoming parade will see 300 squaddies marching through Church Street, Portersbridge Street, Latimer Street and Market Place in Romsey, from 4pm on Tuesday.
Elsewhere in the town, the event was eagerly awaited with some businesses even considering closing to watch the march.
Almost 60 shops along the parade route took posters while a further five are waiting for the green light from managers.
Anne Clark, an Oasis Christian Centre volunteer, praised the Tigers.
She said: “What they do and what they have done for our country is amazing.”
Humbugs owner Alan Smith said: “They deserve the support of everyone and I am proud to back the Daily Echo campaign.
“People should be lining the streets to welcome them – they deserve a heroes’ return.”
Deep Blue Fish & Chips Restaurants initially said they were not allowed to display posters but after an appeal got the thumbs up.
Lloyds TSB turned down the poster but a spokesman said the Market Place branch was to close for half and hour to allow staff to cheer on the parading troops.
Everyone the Daily Echo spoke to was preparing for the parade – a stark contrast to Southampton where many had no idea the Tigers were to parade through the city and 13 shops refused to support the soldiers through the Daily Echo campaign.
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