Portsmouth City Council’s bonfire will go ahead after local business backing ensured costs could be covered.
The town hall last week said it would have to drop the centrepiece to its 5 November fireworks display in order to save around £4,600.
However, a last minute pledge from local company L&S Waste Management has now ensured the bonfire will go ahead at festivities in coming years.
Council leader Donna Jones and cabinet member of culture, leisure and sport Cllr Symes, secured backing from the business.
‘During times of budget cuts it's important that councillors think outside the box and use their business contacts to find solutions to protect events and services that the public value,’ Jones said.
‘I'm delighted that the bonfire will now go ahead this year and in future years and would like to thank L&S Waste for helping to protect the event for future years.’
Cllr Symes added: ‘The bonfire is an important focal point for this community event - which attracts over 10,000 people each year - so we're pleased to have been able to secure backing from L&S Waste Management and we'd like to thank them for their support.’
Mick Balch, managing director, L&S Waste Management said: ‘L&S Waste is delighted to be able to support Portsmouth City Council with this fantastic community event. The Firework show and bonfire is a long standing traditional in Portsmouth and we are more than happy to help out with the provision of firewood for the bonfire as well as skips and grab lorries for the clean up operation.
‘The council do a fantastic job in organising and running this event, and we hope that everyone has a fantastic night and enjoys the show.’
Photo: Philip Bird LRPS CPAGB/Shutterstock.com
