Residents slam decision to cancel Darlington fireworks

Darlington Borough Council have confirmed that they are not going ahead with the display due to a lack of funds.

Last year the event was a huge success with 20,000 people enjoying the spectacular show.

The event included fairground rides, performers and even a quieter show for the children.

The new council have decided that for the event to go ahead they would need to charge high ticket prices, which they were not willing to do.

Steven Harker, leader of Darlington Council, released a statement explaining the decision.

He said: "As a council, we are committed to delivering our varied events programme, and keen to build on that success.

"Although last year’s fireworks display was successful and well-attended, it was an expensive event to deliver to modern standards of event management and safety.

"The money approved in the budget earlier this year would not cover the costs and would have meant a relatively high ticket price would have had to be charged.

"Given the current financial pressures on households, we believe a free events programme, that is accessible to all, is the right approach and the money in the budget identified to go towards the cost of a fireworks display, should be re-purposed."

Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington, thinks it is an 'incredibly mean' decision by the council.

He said: "It's a very short-sighted decision.

"We know we will see an increase in anti-social behaviour and that there will be more pressure on the A&E in the run-up without an organised event.

"It seems very callous that they have cancelled and not even explored sponsorship opportunities.

"What are they going to cut next?"

Jonathan Dulston, leader of the Conservatives in Darlington, said: "I am absolutely devastated by this short-sighted decision from the new Labour & Liberal Democrat-run council.

"This was one of many events that had the ability to bring our communities together and it’s been cancelled just like the 2-hour free car parking a couple of weeks ago.

"It’s becoming a very depressing thought of what damage Labour will do to our town over the next 4 years."

Locals and business owners have been expressing their frustration at the decision.

Dan Rooney, 34, runs a shop in Darlington's market square and he worries about the decreased footfall it will cause.

He said: "It will really impact us.

"Our footfall will decrease. We really struggle when the council announce events and then cancel them.

"We need more events not fewer."

Joan Lees, from Newton Aycliffe, thought that it was a 'shame' that it had been cancelled when it could be such a boost for people in the area.

The 68-year-old said: "It was free last year and it was a really good way to bring people together. 

"The way things are at the moment we need everything we can to lift people's spirits.

"It's a real shame, I hope they have a think about it."

Anthony Peel, 18, said: "It's a bit miserable isn't it. 

"It gets people out of the house and cheers them up." 

Connie Reeves, 85, believes that sacrifices need to be made with the rising cost of living.

She said: "I would rather the money that was going to be spent on the fireworks is put towards other projects.

"It's a lovely idea but at the moment it's not something that we need to be doing.

"All the prices are going up and its a hard time for everyone."

Read next

Pensioner who drove car into Stokesley river rescued by hero

Road closure at Kinninvie crossroads could be permanent

Scarlett Moffatt gives birth to boy at Durham Hospital

Pamela Harrison, 65, thought the decision was 'rubbish' and sympathised for the youngsters who wouldn't be able to go.

She said: "We are all paying our rates, it seems a shame that it won't go ahead.

"You would think that the government would be able to step in and stop prices from rising.

"It's just rubbish. I feel sorry for the youngsters."