Ellesmere jubilee fireworks display is worry for councillors

Celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee could go off without a bang in Ellesmere because the town's traditional fireworks displays are facing the axe.

Ellesmere Town Council heard last night that two displays which took place last year are facing the axe this year because of spiralling costs, red tape and a lack of volunteers to organise one of the shows.

Councillors told the meeting action needed to be taken to prevent the town having no organised fireworks displays in a year when communities up and down the country are preparing to celebrate the Queen's 60-year reign with parties and special events.

In a letter to the council, the Shropshire Union Canal Society, which organises the town's annual boat rally, said the Friday night fireworks display would not take place during this year's event on September 7.

Councillor Ian Ward revealed he had heard reports that the future of the annual bonfire night display organised by Ellesmere Round Table also hangs in the balance.

He said:"If we lose these fireworks then, from the reports I've heard, the likelihood is that we are going to lose the ones in November, then Ellesmere will not have any fireworks in the coming year.

"As it's jubilee year we should have something. It's a matter of concern.

"The cause of the (Round Table's) problems is that with the numbers of people to organise it now, it's unlikely to continue."

Despite the axing of the boat rally display, Councillor Pat McLaughlin urged members to agree to a request from the canal society for £275 towards the cost of this year's event.

She said it was a pity fireworks displays were becoming increasingly difficult to organise due to rising costs and health and safety rules.

Councillor Ann Hartley said: "The jubilee committee could take this on board and co-ordinate something with the different organisations in the town."