Residents 'angry' about cancelled fireworks event

The event was due to have taken place on 3 November

The cancellation of an annual bonfire and fireworks party at a Merseyside beach has sparked "great anger", a campaigner has said.

Hoylake Sailing Club said it had abandoned plans for the Hoylake Beach event because Wirral Council and Natural England had imposed "unworkable" restrictions at the Dee Estuary beauty spot.

Charlotte Smith, from the Hoylake Beach Community group, blamed the local authority for stopping a "longstanding cultural event” that supported both the local sailing club and the local lifeboat.

While Wirral Council said it was "disappointed" by the cancellation, it denied any wrongdoing. Neighbourhoods director Jason Gooding said he was still open to finding a way for it to go ahead with the permission of Natural England.

Hoylake Beach is protected as a site of special scientific interest

The sailing club said a ban on taking vehicles on to the beach and limitations on the size and position of the bonfire meant the 3 November event was unfeasible.

It said it was "sorry to have to disappoint the regular supporters of this event".

The restrictions have not changed since the event went ahead in 2023, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands.

Some in the community have argued that vegetation growing on Hoylake Beach should be left alone, while others have called for it to be cleared.