News Leeds Council has cancelled the much-awaited annual bonfire and fireworks events in the city has angered residents - with some accusing local government of taking away their money and fun.
The authority has cancelled all six bonfire and fireworks events due to "significant budget pressures". The bonfires would have cost council over £200,000 if they had gone ahead but the council has been cutting all non-essential spending.
Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for public health and active lifestyles, described the decision to cancel as disappointing but necessary. But it has proved to be an unpopular decision.
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Megan Sophie Linley said: "First they take money, now they’re taking away one of the things that parents take their kids to when they can’t afford it themselves. First money, now fun."
Leanne Dixon echoed the same sentiments, saying: "They literally may as well lock us up! Taking away everything or charging through the nose for it all! Take me back to my childhood any day!"
Amy Davenport added: "That’s right, take away things from the kids again not like there’s many things they like to do these days."
While, Daz Newton said the decision would have economic consequences. He said: "So they are saying it cost £200,000 to host these events...what about the money what would be pumped in to the local economy at these places? The footfall, people spending a bit of money in the local shops and other stuff. So, in the long run it will be losing the economy more money because the council wont spend money."
Other readers expressed worry, saying that cancelling bonfires would only encourage inexperienced residents to try set off their own fires. Graham Myers asked: "I wonder if the fire brigade were consulted and if so, what was their response. Could be a very busy night for them with all the extra, unregulated bonfires that will spring up."
Laura Oldfield agreed, saying: "Okay, so bonfires ran safely by the council are cancelled to cut the costs. So now masses of people who don't have a clue will be having their own bonfires, at their own homes. In return, equals more hospital admissions (let's screw NHS up even more), fire crews over worked, more pollution and more frightened animals."
Trisha Tasker also said: "Will this mean more local unofficial events and the related possible health and safety issues? Probably the right decision but I would have thought that orders would have already been placed for all the fireworks."
Amanda Munro said she was worried the bonfires would never be brought back. She said: "Recall when they cancelled Party in the Park for financial reasons. It’s never been brought back.
"Party in the Park, Opera in the Park and Ballet in the Park were started back in early 90’s when the council had an Anti-Poverty Committee and wanted to provide opportunity for those who could not afford such leisure/arts stuff to enjoy. The Community Bonfires were also about safety ?? Be interesting to see if there are more accidents …burns and fireworks injuries etc if no public events."
Michaela Clark added his thoughts. He said: "Well that's more fireworks set off at homes and more accidents are going to happen and more street bonfires like they used to be that will cost more than it would putting on a display. Well done Leeds."
However, there were a few who were not bothered by the news. One wrote, "Dog owners will be pleased". Another said: "I don’t understand folk kicking off about this, you’re more than welcome to go spend your expendable income to set it on fire if you want to."
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