A fireworks display should be reinstated as the finale of the Light Up Lancaster art festival, a campaigner has urged city councillors. The fireworks display has been cut this year, as part of wider budget cuts at Lancaster City Council decided earlier this year.
The issues were debated at the latest full council meeting this week . One city councillor quipped that Morecambe Town Council could hold its own display, following its 230 per cent local tax precept rise. "Furthermore, the absence of fireworks could effect businesses, such as those near Lancaster Castle and Quay Meadow, including esteemed establishments like Merchants 1688, The Jailor's Barrel, The Pub, Sun Hotel and those along the quayside, such as the Wagon & Horses and George & Dragon.
Regarding council costs, he said future income could perhaps come from charging visitors to enter main public viewing areas or sponsorship. Coun Potter added: "I was not a councillor when the current budget was agreed. But when I put myself forward for election, I was told there have been some tough years with finance and there will be more. This year's budget saw cuts and changes across the council. Non-statutory [legally required] areas such as arts, heritage and culture fall under my remit. It feels like these areas have been particularly hard-hit and people were made redundant.
'SOMETHING BIG IS NEEDED' Conservative Coun Andrew Gardiner said: "When we look at figures and see a possible £1million turnover will be leaving Lancaster, that is worrying. In some ways, I'd like to see something big done, with Morecambe too. Fireworks shows boost local economies much more than events like food fairs. Fireworks benefit pubs, hotels and taxi businesses.