Newcastle firework money to be used for CCTV instead

Money set aside for an annual firework display will now go towards new CCTV cameras

The money that was earmarked for an annual Newcastle Bonfire Night event will instead be used for the purchase and installation of CCTV cameras following the controversial cancellation of the popular firework display.

The East End Firework Display held annually at Walker Park was cancelled by Newcastle City Council just days before the Bonfire Night event was due to take place.

Advertisements had promised a fun-filled evening, complete with fairground rides, music, and traditional Bonfire Night refreshments, all culminating in the “biggest free fireworks event in the city”, so the posters bragged.

Alas, this night of celebration was not destined to take place…

Much to the horror of East End locals, the council announced the cancellation of the event just a matter of days before it was due to take place, citing an unexpected lack of funding as the cause.

However, with every cloud comes a silver lining. The council has said that any money which had already been raised and set aside for the Bonfire Night event, will now go towards the purchasing and installation of CCTV cameras for Walker Park.

The park has been described as “right at the heart of the community”, by one local man speaking to Chronicle Live. It has recently undergone significant renovation work following a £1.8m lottery grant, which was supplemented by private investors and Newcastle City Council.

Councillor David Wood commented: “The money raised by local councillors that was set aside to contribute towards this year’s fireworks display is now hoped to be used to enhance the CCTV coverage in the park, which will benefit the safety of the whole community.”

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