Bonfire event stops people buying own fireworks
Cllr praises display for helping to keep locals safer
A Perth councillor has praised the increasing numbers of people attending the Perth fireworks and bonfire display – as it discourages people from buying their own.
The comment was raised at Perth and Kinross Council’s Perth common good fund committee meeting this week by Perth City Centre councillor Eric Drysdale.
It is estimated the event on November 5 will attract 8000 people, which is believed to be higher than last year.
Cllr Drysdale said of the South Inch event that “anything to discourage the independent purchasing of fireworks needs to be supported.”
This comes after depute chief executive and chief operating officer for the report Jim Valentine said the “South Inch was becoming a health and safety hazard” due to an increase in numbers.
Valentine also explained that extra stewarding will be present at the event as a result of the increase and Edinburgh Road, which runs through the South Inch, will be closed for the event.
The Perth common good fund report supports this view stating: “The event has received significant recognition in the local press, within the community and from officers at Perth Fire Station for providing a safe, centralised and accessible display for the people of Perth.
“It also limits the number of smaller uncontrolled events where the risk of incidents is significantly increased.”
Perth and Strathearn 200 Round Table is a voluntary service that has organised this annual event for a number of years in collaboration with the council, the local community and businesses.
“The Round Table proposes to promote a bonfire/fireworks safety campaign in local primary schools which will be run by volunteers,” the report continues.
“This is considered locally as a major event where the community can gather in large numbers on the South Inch in Perth and safely enjoy the sights and sounds.”
The 2018/19 financial assistance budget for Perth common good fund was approved by the committee at the meeting on February 28 of this year.
The total cost of the event is estimated at £24,884, including donations, with the costs for the pyrotechnic fireworks display £15,000.
The proposed programme for the event is a fun fair to open at 6pm until 10pm, with music and entertainment on stage between 6pm and 7.30pm.
The bonfire will be lit at 7pm with the fireworks display beginning at 7.30pm. scenes like this are expected at the South Inch on November 5
Itlimitsthenumberofsmalleruncontrolledevents