SAFETY issues have led to Oswestry Town Council and Borderland Rotary Club jointly announcing that 2022's Brogyntyn Park firework display is cancelled.

The Bonfire Night display, which is a huge staple of the Oswestry calendar, will not go ahead on Saturday, November 5 following the 'difficult' decision to cancel.

According to both parties, several concerns were raised by the Shropshire Safety Advisory Group about the suitability to safely host the event at the park.

Arren Roberts, Oswestry town clerk, said the group – which consists of West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service and Shropshire Council – advised them to cancel.

He said: "The fact that there is a single entrance and exit at Brogyntyn Park is a difficulty that we cannot overcome.

"Without an alternative exit route, we would need to limit the number of people that can attend the event, which is something we cannot do easily or safely.

"The decision to cancel this community event has not been an easy one; however public safety must come first."

The Shropshire Safety Advisory Group is a forum for discussing and advising on public safety at an event.

The group has been set up to provide advice and guidance to event organisers to help ensure public safety.

Jonathan Jones, event co-ordinator for Borderland Rotary Club added: "We are disappointed that this event will not go ahead this year, however we understand the reasons why and support the decision made.

"Hopefully, we will be able to find a more suitable home for the bonfire and fireworks evening and continue with this fantastic event, which raises money for local charities."

In 2021, the firework display helped raise around £9,000 for the Rotary Club, which was then distributed around groups, projects and charities in the town.

Traditionally, the town council provides the park while the Borderland Rotarians marshal the event and provide the fireworks.