THE number of licensees collecting to save this year's Witton Park bonfire has doubled.

Town centre landlords, licensees and managers got together to discuss the charity bonfire at a meeting at the Borough Arms, Exchange Street.

Blackburn Rotaract, who organise the fire, are considering cancelling this year's event after a fall in donations from the public.

They feel that people have come to regard the occasion as council run, and have forgotten that it raises money for local charities.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph has launched a campiagn to save the huge event.

Ten pubs had already agreed to put collection boxes on their bars. Now 22 have signed up and Pete Rawcliffe, chairman of the town centre Pub Link expects more.

He said: "We have only had the box on our bar for a week and there is already £70 in it.

"We have been getting the doormen to ask people to donate. There's nothing like a bit of pressure from a doorman to get people to cough up for charity", he laughed."

Among the latest pubs to sign up are Never Never Land, The Postal Order, Khaz Bar, The Adelphi, Ce'La Vie, The Jubilee, The Castle, Zy Bar, Bar Ibiza and Tiggy's restaurant.

Nightclub owner Margo Grimshaw said: "We know that the Rotaract Club is struggling to keep the Witton Park Bonfire going. "Events like these provide a great spectacle of entertainment and excitement for the people of Blackburn and should be kept alive.

"Lets not forget that apart from raising thousands for local charities, the fire is a safe place for families to have a great night out. It is always a communal event."

Geoff Moss, chairman of the bonfire committee and vice-president of the Blackburn Rotaract club, was delighted with the news. He said: "It's fantastic.

"It is a great response from the licensees. I hope it will make a real difference to the funds that are coming in. It makes me more optimistic about the fire going ahead."

Apart from donations, Rotaract are still looking for assistance to organise the event.

Barriers are needed to protect the public from the fire and fireworks displays, and help is required to build a temporary road through Witton Park to the site of the fire.

Anyone who can offer assistance should call Mr Moss on 07719 360396.