A noisy summer ahead

12.00.00am GMT Tue 25th Feb 2003

Richmond Council have missed an opportunity to control noisy fireworks displays with their decisions this week in the view of Liberal Democrat councillor Sir David Williams.

And Ham's residents in particular can look forward to loud bangs late at night this summer.

Instead of having a compulsory code of practice for fireworks displays as David Williams urged last year, the Tories will only have a voluntary code.

Unsuitable open spaces near residents such as Richmond Green and by Ham Common pond are suggested. Free lettings for charities are welcome, but they were never charged much in the first place.

At the Cabinet meeting Councillor Williams asked why such an effort was being made to promote events on the Council's 64 open spaces.

The gross income to the Council is only £25,000, with an increase of a maximum of £10,000. Inexplicably, Ham Lands in included in the list of 64 sites for small music/opera/theatre events! Yet it is a protected open space and nowhere is it mown grass.

Councillor Williams said, "Council officers will have a lot of their time taken up with organising the lettings, and monitoring the clean up afterwards."

"And councillors will be inundated with complaints, if last year's experience is anything to go by. I fear we are in for a noisy summer, thanks to Richmond's Tories."