A COMMUNITY bonfire axed amid safety fears looks set to be reinstated in the Ribble Valley next year.

The Rotary Clubs of Clitheroe and Ribblesdale and the Rotaract Club of Clitheroe cancelled this year's bonfire in the interest of "public safety" and because of the substantial demands it placed on the their members.

But Ribble Valley Borough Council is now taking action to ensure that a bonfire will take place on the Clitheroe Castle fields next year.

A bonfire and firework display had been hosted for the past 20 years on Clitheroe Castle field by Clitheroe and Ribblesdale Rotary clubs and Rotaract.

Last year's event attracted adverse publicity when a gust of wind blew sparks into a spectator's face.

A meeting will take place in the council chamber on Monday, November 24, at 7pm, to discuss measures aimed at preventing similar problems.

It will be open to any group from across the Ribble Valley interested in organising bonfires or firework displays.

Ribble Valley Borough Council's David Morris said: "It has been decided that there will be a community bonfire on the Clitheroe Castle fields in November 1998.

"To make this happen, it is essential that all aspects of organising such an event are thoroughly investigated, discussed and agreed.

"This will include the necessary training for those people involved in organising the bonfire and associated firework display."

The aims of the meeting are:

To make thorough and well co-ordinated plans for the 1998 bonfire event.

The preparation of a code of practice.

To organise suitable and adequate training.

People interested in attending the meeting are asked to inform the council by Wednesday, November 19.

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