New Year fireworks bill £1.8m from safety and clean-up costs

The bill for running the New Year's Eve party on the banks of the Thames has been forced up because of safety concerns and clean-up costs.

City Hall says it will have to find an extra £140,000 to fully fund this year's event and fireworks display, costing taxpayers £1.8 million.

Up to 250,000 people descend on central London for the big night every year. Mayor Boris Johnson is spending more on security this year to cut overcrowding in official viewing areas along the Thames, while councils are expected to ask for more money to clear up the mess next day.

Extra costs also include an event information website and the printing of 150,000 viewing area maps for distribution on the day. The figures come in City Hall documents signed off by the Mayor.

The fireworks centre on Big Ben and the London Eye. Because of the popularity of the event the viewing zone, between Lambeth and Blackfriars Bridges, could be extended east to Southwark Bridge this year.

The London Development Agency will foot £1.5 million of the bill, with the rest coming from City Hall.

London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "There is something exhilarating and primal about the flashing lights and noisy explosions of a fireworks display, especially on New Year's Eve.

"With our dazzling display we want to capture the dynamism, colour and energy that are the hallmarks of our great city.

"Some tough decisions have had to be taken this year, but as we go into 2011, let's look forward to future growth and successes ahead, embracing the opportunities of the coming year with confidence and optimism."