Bill for bonfires around £25,000

Details were contained in a report of a review of the civic approach to ‘Cultural Celebrations’ during July and August this year presented to Councils September meeting by CEO, Anne Donaghy.

The report revealed that Council have identified a potential expenditure of £12,000 for grants relating to cultural celebrations and, in addition, £25,000 on the clean up, restoration and disposal of waste from 16 of the 34 bonfire sites throughout the district.

It also stated that in the weeks leading up to The Twelfth, officers and councillors “received many concerns from residents” regarding the state of sites and the type of material being burnt.

The report described the issue as “highly sensitive within local communities” and Mrs Donaghy suggested a small working group of councillors would be appropriate initially.

Councillors agreed a recommendation that up to four elected members, to include one from each of the predecessor councils, be included on the group which would start to meet in October and voted on Crs D.A. Wilson, Gregg McKeen, Donna Anderson and Reuben Glover. An amendment by Cr Patrice Hardy for one council member from each party was lost by a vote of seven for and 24 against.