Council bans Guy Fawkes bonfire in pollution clampdown

Revellers are facing bonfire night without a bonfire after killjoy council chiefs said it would cause air pollution.

Watford Borough Council said it was dropping the traditional fire as part of the commemoration of the Guy Fawkes gunpowder plot as it goes against its policy of a smoke-free town.

Chiefs also admitted health and safety fears played a part in their decision, because of worries of overcrowding and the difficulties of putting out the blaze.

Fireworks night in Cassiobury Park in the town in Herts will now go ahead for the first time in 38 years without the usual bonfire.

Dave Cobb, Watford Borough Council service manager said: "Due to a number of contributing factors we will not be having a bonfire this year.

"It takes significant staff resources to build and steward the fire, and reinstate the area afterwards.

"Once lit it is extremely difficult to put out, in case of overcrowding or crowd surges.

"It also goes against one of the Council's key objectives of having a smoke free town by causing air pollution and scorching the surrounding trees."

Watford Round Table who has run the event for nearly 40 years, said it could no longer organise it due to the increasing popularity and rising costs of the display. The council took over the event this year.

As a replacement for the bonfire, the council have organised professional fire performers to entertain the crowds instead.