Diss fireworks display is cancelled after safety document decision made
The fuse has been lit on a fireworks dispute after a popular display was refused permission on safety grounds.
The free event, which has been running for 17 years on Rectory Meadow in Diss, has been cancelled after a safety document was not completed on time.
Organiser Billy Ellwood, who runs the event each year for free and is now £3,500 out of pocket, having already purchased the fireworks, feels the decision by Diss Town Council to refuse to grant him a licence is unfair.
“We have had to fill out the same risk assessments for seven or eight years and it was never a problem,” he said. “Then, out of nowhere, there was an extra document this year and no time to get it signed.
“I had already arranged for the burger van to attend and they are now missing out, along with everyone in Diss who comes along each year.
“It’s run for free, and we have collection buckets for charity, so they will also miss out.
“There have been more hoops to jump through each year, and I just think the council doesn’t want to approve anything that it can’t take credit for or turn a profit from.”
When announcing its decision, the town council stated that safety must be the first priority when considering permission.
“Although this will come as a disappointment to those who attend the event, after seeking professional advice from outside agencies, the safety of everyone involved and attending must take precedence,” said a council spokeswoman.
“We are grateful to the event organiser for his dedication in putting on this free-to-enter event for the community and look forward to future events taking place in a safe and enjoyable environment.
“As well as running our own events, we work with individuals and organisations in the town that wish to organise events on our land to ensure safety. Advice is always given to event organisers of the requirement to complete the relevant safety documentation.”
The town council, along with representatives from the county’s safety advisory group, met Mr Ellwood on October 11 to discuss safety requirements, with the decision to refuse permission made on Friday.
“In their email, the council said I should give the fireworks I had bought to local families,” said Mr Ellwood. “But these are category three fireworks that would certainly not be safe for people to use at home.
“It never used to be this difficult to arrange in Diss. I’m not sure if I will go to the trouble of trying to set it up again next year.”
Other nearby displays which are going ahead include those in Worlingworth, New Buckenham and Attleborough.
