The annual November 5 Bramley Park bonfire and firework display has again been cancelled, Leeds City Council confirmed today.
The annual event has been cancelled the previous two years due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but this year council chiefs say it’s down to budget pressures and the cost of living crisis.
The council says it is facing an increase in the cost of electricity, gas and fuel – and the costs associated with restarting all six civic bonfires in Leeds this year would be more than £200,000.
A council statement read: “The decision has been taken due to significant budget pressures faced by the council and the current cost of living pressures on local residents which are having a significant impact on the council’s demand for services and support.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for public health and active lifestyles, added: “It is obviously very disappointing for residents that bonfire and firework events cannot restart this year, however the council must work hard on cutting all non-essential spend in the current financial climate.
“We certainly did not take this decision lightly, and we know that this news will come as a real disappointment to many people, and this disappointment is something that we share.
“The council continues to be committed to working with partners to ensure that significant community and cultural events will still be able to take place later this budget year and in the run up to Christmas.”
Leeds City Council traditionally runs six annual bonfire and firework events, including Bramley.
West Leeds Dispatch‘s Cutswatch series has been following council cuts here.
Always plenty of council money for cycle superhighways that benefit about 5% of council tax payers.
Rest assured the council will be asking for a 5% increase in council tax next April