4
N EWS
Bang out of order Greenwich council has been accused of failing to pay its fair share towards Blackheath Fireworks again this year – leaving Lewisham to foot a hefty chunk of the bill. The border of the two boroughs runs through the middle of Blackheath, where the spectacular event attracts up to 100,000 visitors each year. It is enjoyed by residents of Lewisham, Greenwich and beyond and brings a welcome boost to the local economy. Last year’s event cost £109,000, of which £40,000 came from Lewisham Council and £15,000 from Greenwich. A further £23,000 was raised through sponsorship from businesses, £22,000 from bars and food stalls and £9,000 from public donations. Both councils had previously split the costs equally but in 2010, Greenwich withdrew its funding from the event, stating that it could no longer afford to pay its half due to cuts in government funding. While Greenwich did come back on board as a sponsor five years later, its contributions each year are significantly lower than the amount paid by Lewisham. This year it gave £16,000 towards the event, while Lewisham paid around £40,000. In an email that was sent to Greenwich council on August 15 ahead of this year’s fireworks, an officer from Lewisham Council confirmed that “costs are likely to be very similar to last year” and asked if Greenwich would consider in-
Blackheath Fireworks attracts up to 100,000 visitors every year
creasing its contribution to the display. The officer added: “We are under increasing pressure to try and bring our subsidy down so if there was any way you could consider an increase in your contribution, it would be greatly appreciated.” The correspondence came to light following a freedom of information re-
quest to Lewisham Council by Caroline Pidgeon, London Assembly member for the Liberal Democrats. She said: “In years past the two councils fully shared the costs of this important event. “It seems that now Lewisham Council has even given up asking Greenwich to share the full costs. Lewisham residents
should be demanding that their council finally stands up to its neighbouring borough.” When asked why it was not prepared to split the cost of the fireworks equally with Lewisham, a spokesman for Greenwich council sent The Lewisham Ledger a joint statement issued by Lewisham and Greenwich councils. It said: “Lewisham Council appreciates the contribution that the Royal Borough of Greenwich has made towards the Blackheath Fireworks this year, which is all that they were asked to pay. “The future of the fireworks is under threat due to government cuts and both councils are being forced to make significant cutbacks. “As the squeeze on councils continues, and with austerity far from over, both Lewisham and Greenwich need to cut tens of millions from budgets over the next two years. “The event is the largest free fireworks event in London, attracting crowds of up to 100,000 from across the city. “It’s not about who has paid more in previous years but the harsh reality that councils are being forced to cut local services and events because our funding is being continually slashed by government. “Lewisham Council is looking at all avenues to provide more funding and welcomes the fact that the Royal Borough of Greenwich is committed to sit down and discuss the future of the event.”