Fireworks display axed because of new homes
GoogleA village fireworks display has been cancelled due to it being too close to new homes.
Coxhoe Parish Council, which objected to the development in November 2024, said it was "disappointed" to make the decision, but the event at Coxhoe Park could not go ahead this year for safety reasons.
A spokesperson said the council had looked at alternative venues or a joint event with a neighbouring parish, but was "unable" to secure anything for this year.
Developer Gleeson, which is building 83 homes next to the park, said it was "supportive" of the event and hoped an alternative site could be found.
A Gleeson spokesperson said it had advised the parish council late last year that a "number of homes" would be occupied by November.
"Unfortunately, this means that in accordance with the defined safety perimeter, the event is not able to take place at this location," they said.
"Gleeson acknowledges that this will be disappointing for members of the community, and remains supportive of the event, and hopes that an alternative venue can be identified so that the display can continue in future years."
In a statement the parish council said the display needed "a great deal of forward planning" which had to start in February, so it decided to cancel the event.
"That isn't to say we can't investigate possibilities for future years," a spokesperson added.
"Providing much loved and well attended community events is something we are very proud to deliver and the parish council resolved to bring a different sort of event this year."
The council has asked people for suggestions and said it was considering "a summer fete, winter wonderland or even joining the Durham Brass Festival".
