Burntwood fireworks cancellation anger

BURNTWOOD residents are angry that this year's council-run fireworks display has been cancelled without any notice from the authority.

The Mercury has been contacted by disappointed mums who say their families were looking forward to the event at Burntwood Leisure Centre and will now have to make alternative arrangements.

"There has been no advertisement to let us know," said Joanne Beardmore, aged 36, of Birch Avenue.

"We have not even had a say. We should have been told in the paper."

Joanne said the bonfire and fireworks, put on by Lichfield District Council, have been held for years at the High Street venue.

Youngsters also enjoy the fair and it is conveniently located for Burntwood residents.

"Now we shall have to find somewhere else to take the kids," said Joanne.

"They are happy enough taking our council tax," said Joanne, who added that this was another example of Burntwood getting a 'raw deal'.

Her views were echoed by another concerned resident Ann Matthews, who said: "A firework display was held at Beacon Park and for Lichfield Proms.

"It seems yet again that the people of Burntwood are the poor relations to Lichfield."

Councillor Val Richards, Lichfield District Council's cabinet member for leisure services, said: "It is with regret that we have decided not to go ahead with Burntwood Leisure Centre's annual bonfire and fireworks display.

"It was not a decision we took lightly.

"However, it would have been difficult to cordon off the area needed for the event as we have to keep unrestricted access to the new Health and Wellbeing Centre.

"We are also under increasing pressure to keep within a tight budget, and I'm afraid it costs us too much to stage such a huge event."