Sparks fly over bonfire budget

Jul 31 2007 By Nick McCarthy, Birmingham Mail

COUNCILLORS say they are "appalled" at having been asked to bolster the budget for this year's city council bonfire and fireworks spectacular at Pype Hayes Park in Erdington.

The event attracted over 16,000 people last year and is billed by the council as "the biggest and most popular display in the city".

Despite its popularity, the council has admitted to local councillors that it needs more cash and it wants them to find it.

The annual event at Pype Hayes Park will be held in November.

Councillor Lynda Clinton (Lab, Tyburn) said: "This is an excellent and important event that has always been paid for from a central events budget.

"I am appalled, because we just don't have the budget for this. It's ironic, because we have been told to save hundreds of thousands of pounds across the constituency and then they come back and ask us for money."

Spokeswoman for the Friends of Pype Hayes Park, treasurer Hilda James said: "We have heard that there are problems with funding. As a group there are some people who support the event and some who are against it, but I think there should be some sort of consultation if there is going to be changes in future."

Coun Penny Holbrook (Lab, Stockland Green) said: "This is a case of the council cutting centrally and then trying to get funds at a local level. It is completely unacceptable."

A city council spokesman said: "The Pype Hayes event will be going ahead as normal. Money has been allocated and the constituency has been approached to provide funds to bolster the events budget."

Details of ticket prices, dates and times will be released by the council nearer to November.