Slough's firework spectacular - statement
Statement from Slough Borough Council following newspaper reports regarding the Firework Spectacular.
Councillor Dexter Smith, commissioner for planning at Slough Borough Council, said: “We all have a responsibility to look after our environment and reduce our carbon footprint, so we took the decision not to have a bonfire.
“Slough Borough Council launched its Cleaner, Safer, Greener Slough campaign to encourage residents to do what they can to improve the local and global environment.
“We want to lead by example and it would have been hypocritical for us to have organised a huge bonfire which carries on burning long after visitors have left the event.
“We didn’t have a bonfire last year and everyone still enjoyed the night with 15,000 people turning up to thoroughly enjoy the firework display and other activities.
“There is absolutely no truth in the suggestion that we made this decision to avoid offending any members of our community.
“This year’s event will be a fantastic fireworks display and other entertainment for all our residents to enjoy and celebrate the night.”
The council has also spoken to a fireworks expert who said Slough's firework display is the same estimated carbon footprint equivalent of a tank of petrol.
Fireworks only carry a small percentage of carbon, where as a bonfire’s carbon rate is much higher due to the fact it is all wood and burns for longer.
Slough Borough Council