Sandwell firework shows facing the axe if more cash needed to tighten security

Bonfire night celebrations held in the borough have been dogged by problems in recent years, leading to calls for improved security and extra manpower around parks.

But Steve Eling, leader of Sandwell Council, said he would be reluctant to allow any more money to be spent on the events.

And he said if the authority was pressed to improve security, chiefs would have to consider cancelling displays.

It comes after members of a council scrutiny committee 'stressed importance of good health and safety' at fireworks events following issues last year.

Council bosses promised to 'learn lessons' after hundreds of people complained about long queues at Dartmouth Park in West Bromwich in November as more than 15,000 people descended on the park.

Problems were exacerbated by an event in Walsall ending early and Birmingham not holding a main bonfire night event, while a fireworks display in Tipton was axed.

But Councillor Eling said he would not welcome pumping in money to bring in more people to manage events.

He said: "With the level of cuts we have had we can't afford to spend more money. The only alternative is they don't take place. We are looking for events to pay for themselves.

"The plan is to continue to run events but if they are not practical to run, if there are problems from people coming in from neighbouring areas, we can't mop up everything that is chucked at us.

"Some people don't seem to understand the impact of demanding more and more. If the cost demands on these events continue to rise they are not going to be practical to run."

Sandwell Council ran two fireworks displays last year, at Dartmouth Park and Victoria Park in Smethwick, after deciding to scrap the event in Jubilee Park, Tipton.

The decision was taken to help manage events in the borough following an accident which marred a Wednesbury show in November 2014.

One man was left with a perforated eardrum as a malfunctioning firework shot into the crowd. A 23-year-old man and a seven-year-old girl were also hurt.

The event was subsequently axed from Brunswick Park and moved to Jubilee Park.