A PARISH council has agreed to look into the cost of running its own firework display after Bonfire Night events in the village fell foul of concerns about insurance.

The village of Sadberge has enjoyed a community fireworks display, organised by a volunteer, for the last 12 years on land owned by Darlington Borough Council with insurance provided by the fireworks company.

But last week’s event was cancelled at the last minute after the council insisted the event organiser must have insurance to indemnify the authority against any accidents that might arise from additional activity on its land, such as a bonfire.

The additional insurance would have cost the volunteer almost £700, forcing him to cancel the event.

Members of Sadberge Parish Council, which was not involved with the fireworks, expressed dismay that the event had not been able to go ahead and said it had spoiled the night for residents.

To avoid a repeat, members asked the parish clerk to look into extending the parish council’s public liability insurance, which already covers the village’s annual festival, to cover an official fireworks display.

Parish chairman Lee Tate said: “We’ve had a fireworks display for 12 years with no problem. All we wanted was fireworks, not a bonfire, but the council would not support us to licence the field just for fireworks.

“If they had agreed to the fireworks then it was their position that, legally, they might be seen to have given implicit agreement to other activities that might happen on the field, including a bonfire.

“It’s a nonsense because it’s safer to have an organised fireworks display.

“It did feel like a damp squib in the village this year. It was missed greatly so we need to do something to make sure it happens again for the community.”

Councillor Brian Jones, ward member for Sadberge, said he was disappointed that a display had not gone ahead but added: “I can see the borough council’s point of view, although it is unfortunate for the village.”

The council will make a decision on whether it can afford to run an official firework display, including insurance, in the new year.