Scouts’ bonfire plans go up in smoke

THERE will be no bonfire in Sapcote this year.

After organising the annual village event for more than 30 years, leaders at Sapcote Scout Group say they have run out of options for a safe site.

For many years, the community bonfire and fireworks display was held on a field off Stanton Road, near the village centre, which is now the site of a new housing development.

Scout leaders say an alternative field found last year would require too much work to make it fit for pub- lic use this season and a third site that has been offered has been deemed unsuitable due to its aspect, which could risk a flame-blowing prevailing wind.

Group Scout leader Mick Angrave, who has organised the event for the past 28 years, said: “The Scout Group could not guarantee the safety of the spectators and as such has abandoned the event.

“With so much development around the outskirts of the village there are fewer venues available.

“We looked at the possibility of having just a firework display but felt the impact would be lost without the bonfire as we’ve had some really big bonfires in the past and folk have come to expect it. “It’s quite sad really.” Mr Angrave said the Scout Group management committee was grateful to everyone who had helped to run the event over the years, including former Group Scout leader Ron Carson who organised the fireworks, Cub Scout leader Sue Bromley who co-ordinated refreshments and Sapcote Newspost for selling tickets.

Mr Angrave said: “Villagers have always supported this event, even on nights when the weather has been somewhat inclement, and the Scout Group wish to thank everyone for this.

“It will be an event sadly missed by all concerned.”