Salford Council have been slammed for ‘blowing up taxpayers’ money’ by spending more than £45,000 on fireworks, MM can reveal.
In a Freedom of Information request to the council, MM discovered a total of £45,195 has been spent over the last four years.
This includes additional elements at the events including music, lighting and the bonfire itself as well as the fireworks.
Andy Silvester, campaign manager for the TaxPayers’Alliance said: “Fun as these displays no doubt are, there’s no excuse for almost literally blowing up taxpayers’ money in the Salford sky.
“Council tax is paid in good faith and it mustn’t be wasted.
“At a time when the council is having to make necessary savings they should either look for alternative ways of funding firework shows, such as external sponsorship, or scrap them.”
This year the council’s extravagant bonfire night plans span across three separate events at Buile Hill Park, Peel Park and Prince’s Park, Irlam on Wednesday and Friday night.
The high amount comes at the end of a year when in January £25million was slashed from the council’s budget and up to 300 council posts were lost, resulting in redundancy or early retirement for those concerned.
A spokesperson for Salford City Council said: “These events help keep people and communities safe and, with fewer incidents on the streets and injuries, it lessens the load on the NHS, fire and police services which saves the public money.
“It helps cut crime by reducing underage and counterfeit firework sales and anti-social behaviour meaning people can enjoy a more peaceful bonfire night.
The spokesperson for the council went on to say that more than 55,000 people have visited the events over the last four years and added: “We think at just over £10,000 a year for these events this is good value for money.”
Image courtesy Peaceful JP Scenary, with thanks
