Uncertainty over future of ‘popular’ town event

A “POPULAR” bonfire night display is facing an uncertain future after the event was scaled back amid fears about rising costs and logistics.

Organisers of the annual November 5 event at Waterstone Crook Sports Centre in Newport say there will be no bonfire there this year.

It’s unclear whether the fireworks display will still go ahead but locals have said they are disappointed at the news.

One of the organisers says it’s becoming “harder and harder” to put the event together each year and admitted he wouldn’t stand in the way of someone else taking it on.

The event is led by Newport Amateur Football Club and the local Scouts group.

Rab Downie, secretary of Newport AFC, said the decision over the bonfire was driven by a number of factors, including finances and logistical difficulties.

There were also concerns of materials going to waste again, as the bonfire was set alight two days before the event last year, which led to hurried and costly efforts to build a replacement.

He said: “After the new skatepark was built there, we asked Fife Council to leave the road be for easy access into the park to drop off materials for the bonfire but they’ve reseeded it and they would charge us to reseed it again.

“There’s not a big committee here and I’m at an age where it gets harder and harder to do.

“It costs us a lot to get a digger in — it all costs money. It’s a pity it’s not going ahead — but if someone did step in and took over, we would never stand in their way.”

Stephen Rottger, chairman of the Newport, Wormit and Forgan Community Council, said: “It is a great shame. It is one of these occasions that is very popular. It is certainly very regrettable.

“It is terribly late on, so it is very unlikely that another organisation will be able to take it on. Hopefully, it can be revived in the future.”

Tim Brett, councillor for the Tay Bridgehead area, added: “I am very disappointed myself, and for the members of the community.

“There were a few problems last year — in particular, someone sent the bonfire up two days before the event. That resulted in a lot of scrambling around to get replacement materials.”

Scouts leader Jonny Teppet could not be reached for comment.