Christchurch fireworks display cancelled due to gas leak fears – but events at New Milton, Boldre, Lyndhurst, Bransgore, Ringwood, Totton and Fordingbridge go ahead

A FIREWORKS display in Christchurch has been cancelled over fears gas leaks from a historic landfill could create a risk to the public.

It is the fourth year running the town's Rotary Club has been forced to cancel its 5th November display at Stanpit recreation ground.

The 2019 event was cancelled due to bad weather and the 2020 display was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

Last year's event was cancelled while tests for gas were conducted to see if the area would be safe for future firework displays.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, BCP Council cabinet member for tourism, culture and vibrant places, said: "Following concerns raised through the safety advisory group, we have carried out a series of ground investigation works to assess the status of the landfill and test for levels of gas.

"Unfortunately, the results are showing fluctuating gas levels and although this is unlikely to pose a risk to public safety during normal use of the recreation ground, there is potential for enclosed tents, marquees, and wood pilings to prevent gas coming up from the ground from safely dissipating into the air.

"Large bonfires and fireworks displays would only add to the potential risks.

"Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we are unable to permit the seasonal bonfire night and fireworks display organised by the Christchurch Rotary Club to take place this year at this location."

However, there are other events going on in the New Forest:

• New Milton Round Table putting on a fundraising display on Saturday 29th October at Fawcett's Field from 5.30pm.
• Two past winners of the British Firework Championships will run the New Forest Fireworks Night display on 5th November from 4pm at Strawberry Fields in Boldre.
• Lyndhurst Scouts and Lyndhurst Junior Football Club will co-host a bonfire and fireworks event on 4th November from 6.30pm at Coles Mead recreation ground in Wellands Road, Lyndhurst.
• Bransgore School Association is hosting its firework display at the Three Tuns in Ringwood Road, Bransgore, from 5.30pm on 4th November.
• Ringwood's Grand Fireworks display will take place on 6th November at Carvers recreation ground in Southampton Road with the gates opening at 3pm and the fireworks starting at 7pm.
• Totton and Eling Cricket Club will host its music-themed fireworks display, including a DJ, children's fairground rides, a barbecue and a hog roast, on 6th November from 4.30pm.
• Pumpkin Pastures' Super Saturday fireworks display event will be held on Saturday 29th October from 3pm at its site off Ringwood Road in Fordingbridge.

Tickets for the displays will be available on the gates on a first come, first served basis – except at Bransgore where tickets must be purchased in advance via www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/RdiEJKhzXNnT