Sparks fly over cancelled Firework Display

11.36.24am GMT Thu 10th Nov 2005

The cancellation of a public firework display for the second year running has angered Orpington Liberal Democrat Councillor Jenny Powell. "Public displays are vital for public safety. Bromley Council's failure again this year to ensure there was a safe display in Orpington is a disgrace and an abdication of their responsibility."

"Their feeble excuse was that rain was forecast. It's as if the Council were surprised that Fireworks night was in November this year." added Cllr Powell.

The display, arranged in Goddington Park for 3rd November, was cancelled by the promoters and the Council because the wet ground conditions.

"We have had one of the mildest autumns in history," claimed Cllr Powell, "yet the Council could not find a suitable venue in Orpington for the display."

"Bromley Council should be doing much more to discourage displays in back gardens and ad hoc displays, organised without sufficient planning. Fireworks are dangerous and can lead to accidents if used by inexperienced people."

Cllr Powell believes that the cancellation lead to people making last minute arrangements, without proper health and safety controls.

Cllr Powell also believes that the cancellation for the second year running will discourage families attending future years. "Many children would have been disappointed and their parents left stranded. Next year they will not bother with public displays because the Council are so unreliable and will return to displays in their back garden."

" Bromley Council should accept their role in ensuring safe displays and should be putting people off attending them." Cllr Powell added.