Villagers in St. Florence have expressed dismay that a popular bonfire night event seems to have gone ‘up in flames’ due to an increase in hiring fees.

Over 6,000 spectators witnessed a nod to the famous Guy Fawkes gunpowder plot, when a mock-up of the Houses of Parliament took centre stage at St. Florence’s big bonfire night last November, which was held at the village’s playing fields and organised by the St. Florence Village Association, along with a sensational fireworks display.

However, due to a ‘hike’ in hiring fees by St Florence Community Council, it seems the event will have to be put on the back burner this year, with baffled villagers left collectively asking the burning question why?

“Our community council has this year seen fit to raise the fee for the Village Association bonfire from £25 to £1,500,” explained local Claire Scowcroft, stating that the village hall committee, a subsidiary group of council members, unanimously agreed the rise at a recent extraordinary meeting, and announced the increase at the Village Association’s most recent meeting.

“Councillor Bruce Buckminster, chairman of both council and committee, told Village Association volunteers to expect the invoice after the event and cited very few reasons for the price hike, and the Village Association volunteers have since announced they will not be running the event due to the 6,000 per cent increase,” she continued.

“The event has been a popular addition to the St Florence calendar for many years, and villagers, vacationers and adjacent locals are particularly upset by the appalling judgement shown by a community council that relies on charitable funds from the Village Association as a top-up of the annual publicly funded precept.

“We collectively feel we deserve a frank public explanation of why decisions made in private by elected councillors have left the previously well organised successful and ambitious Village Association members completely baffled by their actions,” added Mrs. Scowcroft.

Since the news broke, disappointed people have been posting their views to the Village Association’s Facebook page, with one stating - “What a disgrace, it’s the best fireworks display we have ever attended with our children, I hope public support shames the council!”

St Florence Community Council chairman Bruce Buckmaster gave the following response: “Naturally, it is disappointing that the Village Association felt unable to continue with the Bonfire Night this year due to the cost, but I can confirm that with a reported 3,500 in attendance last year the increase reflects the cost of insuring the event, nothing more, nothing less.

“Notwithstanding this, thanks to St Florence School, St Florence Football Team and the Village Hall Committee a ’Bonfire and Firework’ event will be held as always on November 5 at the St Florence Sports Field and we hope that your readers will be able to join us to make the evening a success.

“Advance tickets will be on sale in the village from October 5 at £1 for children under 12 years old and at £2.50 for those 12 years and over,” he added.

For further information please visit the Facebook page ’St Florence Bonfire Night is On’.