PARENTS have hit-out over a lack of bonfire events in Darwen.

Since a gala committee-run event in Bold Venture Park was cancelled over a decade ago, families say they have no option but to travel out of town or pay to attend a privately-run event.

A mother of three young children from the Springvale area said: “The event at Bold Venture was very popular, but now there’s only pub events or ones you’ve got to pay to enter.

“I don’t really want to be taking my children to a pub, and I’ve had to pay out £17 for four of us to attend a private display in Hoddlesden.

“There is a big free-to-attend event in Witton Park, but why should we have to travel out of town to Blackburn?”

Councillor Damian Talbot of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We don't organise bonfires. The one at Witton Park, which is designed to be for the entire borough, is organised by the Blackburn Lions and Rotary Club and we support them.

“Given the tough financial climate we have to ensure money is being spent where it is needed most.

“We wouldn't be adverse to setting aside a piece of land in Darwen for a bonfire if there was sufficent interest and funding could be provided by a community group as is the case in Blackburn."

Councillor Steve Duncan, leader of Darwen Town Council, said he will raise the idea of funding an event next year with fellow members.

He said: “The problem with these events is the insurance and health and safety rules that go with them.

“I'll raise at the next development meeting to see what feeling is.”

A spokesman for the Rotary Club of Darwen said his group was working to provide the event in Witton Park.

He said: “We don’t have any plans to have a separate event in Darwen. Unfortunately the insurance costs have become silly. We also have to get a professional team in to run bonfire and firework events, and that comes at a considerable price.”