BONFIRE CANCELLED

This Saturday’s Bonfire and Fireworks Display at West Park in Long Eaton has been cancelled due to the torrential rain which flooded the site over the last week. Erewash Borough Council confirmed the decision had been taken over concerns that the park will be turned into a mud bath and left badly damaged by the thousands of people that turn up for the annual event. The council has been monitoring the park but a final inspection this morning (Wednesday) showed the ground has not sufficiently recovered. A representative from Firemagic – the display company involved – also viewed the water-logged park and agreed with the decision to cancel over serious safety concerns.

The park acts as a flood plain and is always left with large areas underwater when heavy rain falls over a series of days. There are still areas of water covering the park and in other parts the ground is soaked through and would be easily churned up by the crowds of onlookers. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“This is obviously disappointing and it is not a decision we have taken lightly. We have been monitoring the site over the last couple of days in the hope that there would be significant improvements, but it was clear from an inspection today that West Park is not going to be in a fit state for such a big event that attracts thousands of people. So we have, reluctantly, made the decision to cancel – something, I’m sure, that will not come as a surprise to those who use this park regularly and have seen what it has been like this week.

“A lot of planning and hard work goes in to ensure our community event – one of the biggest in the region – is a success. We’re sorry for the disappointment that will be felt by everyone, let’s just hope for better weather next year.”

Those who have already bought tickets for the event will be fully refunded. Customers who purchased tickets through Derby LIVE will be issued a refund automatically back to the card that they paid on. Refunds are normally back in the customer’s account within 10 working days. Anyone who bought tickets at Ilkeston or Long Eaton Town Hall, Erewash Museum or West Park Leisure Centre should take them back to where they bought them for a full refund.