Fireworks 'protection measures' for damaged park

It was believed last year's damage was caused by heavy vehicles and adverse weather conditions

A charity has applied to host an annual firework display at a site which was "extensively damaged" last year.

Oxford City Council received the application, with "enhanced protection measures" for the Round Table fireworks event at South Park in November.

Last year it attracted more than 20,000 attendees but it resulted in damage to the area.

Councillor Alex Hollingsworth said the authority would consider the application and ensure "necessary precautions are in place to protect the park".

An inspection in December found there was no lasting damage to the park

He admitted the event was an "Oxford tradition that brings pleasure to thousands of people every year" and he wanted to see the event go ahead.

"But it is essential we don’t see any repeat of the damage done to South Park last year," Mr Hollingsworth continued.

There were complaints from residents last year that the grass had been left "rutted and churned" after the event on 5 November.

It was believed this was largely caused by a combination of adverse weather conditions and machinery on the ground.

Inspections took place in December which confirmed there had been no long-term damage to the site.

This year's application will now go through the formal consultation process with park stakeholders Friends of South Park and Oxford Preservation Trust.

Council officers met with these groups last month to discuss how lessons learned from the event last year should be taken on board.

Proposed changes

Proposed changes for this year's event include a "clear cancellation protocol" if weather conditions threaten to damage the park and reduced heavy vehicle access to the park.

A scaled-down fair and "no bonfire" has also been proposed by the council.

The display has raised tens of thousands of pounds for a range of local groups and charities for more than 50 years.

“Our volunteers have worked hard to make sure all the feedback from last year’s event was heard, and acted upon." said Josh Worsfold, Chairman of Oxford Round Table.