Crash! Bang! Whoosh! Fireworks display under threat

1:58pm Monday 13th October 2008

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SPARKS are flying after a council announced proposals to axe a popular fireworks show.

The free Blackheath Fireworks Display, funded by Lewisham and Greenwich Councils, is under threat as part of Lewisham Council's plans to make savings of around £10m.

The event attracts around 80,000 people every November making it one of the biggest free displays in London. But this year's show could be the last if the council decides to save £36,000 by stopping its share of the funding.

Lib Dem councillor for Blackheath, Chris Maines, says residents are not only proud of the show, but that stopping it could lead to more Bonfire Night injuries.

He said: "If the official display were to be stopped I can see an increase in people providing their own entertainment on the heath, letting off their own fireworks with an increase in injuries and damage.

"We must ensure there is a public display because public displays are the safest way to enjoy fireworks.

He added: "Many people walk from all over Lewisham to the heath, which is able to deal safely with large numbers of families, it is a tradition that we must protect."

But the council's contract with event organiser, Festival Fireworks UK, comes to an end in 2009/10 and officers are concerned the price will increase in future years - squeezing the council's budget.

Mayor of Lewisham, Sir Steve Bullock, said: "Council officers have simply put forward proposals for making savings to balance the council's budget next year.

"These proposals will then be considered by councillors. I have not expressed a view on any of these proposals and nor would I at such an early stage."

He added: "If Cllr Maines has views, he should raise them in the committees he serves on when they discuss these officer proposals."

Meanwhile, Frank Smith, the chairman of the Blackheath Society which works to improve the lives of village residents, said: "We would all be so disappointed if the display were to stop.

"It's a greatly appreciated event and would be sorely missed. It doesn't cause any long-term damage to the heath and so it would be a great shame if it stopped.

"People come from all over the place to watch the show and it's great for the community."

The savings proposals will next be discussed by Lewisham Council's Public Accounts Select Committee on November 4.

This year's display takes place on November 8, starting at 8pm.

- We asked Greenwich Council, which contributes £30,000 to the event, for its views on the matter. The council stated that it could not comment as it would be inappropriate to speculate on the outcome of a decision due to be taken by Lewisham Council.