Council apologises after fireworks delay

A town council has apologised to families who feel let down after its annual firework display was delayed by more than an hour.

Some of the crowd walked out before the fireworks began at the free event, held at Cae Glas Park, Oswestry, Shropshire, on Saturday, according to posts on social media.

The display was set to begin at 19:00 GMT but was delayed due to safety issues, a town council spokesperson said.

"There were several other issues on the night which we are reviewing including lack of communication and layout of the venue," they added.

The town council works with the Borderland Rotary Club to host the event, which featured low-sound fireworks, a laser show, and live music.

The BBC has contacted the Rotary Club for a response from them.

Donations were taken at the event to raise money for local charities.

Comments on social media claimed the crowd was moved several times due to people standing in "unsafe zones" and there were few updates on what was happening.

"Spending an hour telling people to move when there was nowhere for them to move to; when people wanted to leave security would not let people out - people had to jump the fence to Welsh Walls to get out," one person said online.

Another added: "Pitch black, everyone rushing in and trip hazards everywhere. Who ‘risk assessed’ that genius idea? Also only one exit too. Because we were told by security could only leave the one way."

Another person described it as a "dreadfully disappointing evening for two grandchildren".

In its statement, the town council added: "The last thing any of us wanted was for families to leave feeling disappointed and let down."

"We are taking all comments on board so that lessons can be learned for any future displays."

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