Council reverse decision to allow Regatta Fireworks
With less than 48 hours to go until the much talked about Regatta Fireworks, Wokingham Borough Council have gone back on their decision to allow a crucial temporary footpath suspension.
Wokingham Council had agreed to suspend a very small stretch of footpath for a short time either side of the display, crucial for health and safety. Everything was set to go ahead with organisers promising the best display yet only to be dashed late on Thursday by the Council’s unexplained change of heart.
Organisers stressed that thousands of people would be let down by this decision and they would be unable to notify the many people who had made plans in time – this proved to be of no interest to them.
“This decision is a blow to both the town and us as organisers” said James Brennan of Hofmanns in Henley, “To keep the minority happy to the detriment of the majority shows that our old friend, Common Sense, seems to have again been beaten.”
A Henley Standard survey showed that people in favour of the fireworks outnumber those against nearly 10 fold.
“It makes a mockery of so called democracy when one or two people can exploit loopholes in local government polices for their own purpose” said Dave Coles of A40Fireworks.
“This is my first time as part of the Regatta Fireworks team and whilst out speaking to many local people I have learnt that the vast majority of businesses and residents support the event whole heartedly” said Angie Major of Blueberry Business.
Mrs Major also highlighted lost revenue opportunities for businesses who will have specifically sold tickets for firework related events. “Banning the Fireworks diverts from the real underlying issue of licensing and yobbish behaviour which has nothing to do with the Fireworks. It is utterly disappointing“.
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