Clifton Park Bonfire called off due to safety concerns

Council News
Council News

Last week’s torrential rain has meant the planned Bonfire Night celebrations at Clifton Park this weekend can no longer go ahead. 

The celebrations, including a bonfire and fireworks were to be held in the park on Saturday 4 November. 

However, the storm from last weekend, which saw record rainfall especially across the Rotherham borough, has meant the ground is too soggy for the event to be able to be held safely. 

Polly Hamilton, Rotherham Council’s Assistant Direct of Culture, Sport, and Tourism said: “Residents’ safety is our number one priority. The conditions at the park following last week’s storm, mean the ground is just not safe for people to gather in large numbers. 

“The rain from last weekend and further rain this week has made the grassy areas very muddy and slippery and so for safety reasons, sadly, we have had to cancel this celebration event. We cannot take risks, especially with an event such as this which will be held when it is dark. 

“We would encourage all residents to attend organised events where possible, as these are safer than trying to hold them yourselves.” 

The local authority organised event was to include fairground rides, which have also been cancelled due to the health and safety concerns. 

Group Manager Ade Parkin, from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, added: “We are appealing to everyone to take great care on bonfire night.  

“We'd encourage you to attend an organised display instead of having fireworks at home. If you do choose to have a display at home, please make sure you follow the firework code. 

“It’s a fact that many accidents are caused by improper use of fireworks and by carelessness. Figures also show that more children than adults get hurt by fireworks.  

“We want everyone to be able to celebrate safely and have a fun night.” 

The firework code 

Watching fireworks is popular and fun. But fireworks are explosives and potentially dangerous, so they need careful handling and storage. 

  • Only buy fireworks that are CE marked. 

  • Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks. 

  • Keep fireworks in a closed box. 

  • Follow the instructions on each firework. 

  • Light them at arm’s length, using a taper. 

  • Stand well back. 

  • Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode. 

  • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them. 

  • Always supervise children around fireworks. 

  • Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves. 

  • Never give sparklers to a child under five. 

  • Keep pets indoors. 

  • Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm. 

Bonfire safety tips 

We don’t recommend having a bonfire in your garden. They can easily get out of hand and spread quickly to hedges, overhanging trees and garages, even to the house. 

If you do decide to have one, please follow advice here: 

  • If you are having a bonfire discuss it with your neighbours beforehand. 

  • Don’t build a bonfire too far in advance of the day as it can encourage anti-social behaviour. 

  • Build the bonfire away from sheds, fences, and trees. 

  • Check there are no cables (for example telephone wires) above the bonfire. 

  • Ensure there is a suitable barrier around the bonfire to keep spectators at least five metres away. 

  • Always check that no children or animals are hiding in the bonfire before lighting. 

  • Don’t burn aerosols, batteries, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint - many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury. 

  • Don’t use petrol, paraffin, diesel, white spirit or methylated spirit to light the bonfire. 

  • Keep some buckets of water nearby in case of an emergency and to damp down after the event. 

Published: 1st November 2023