RESIDENTS of Newton Aycliffe in County Durham can once again celebrate Guy Fawkes Night together when the annual fireworks display returns to the Oak Leaf Sports Complex as a ticket only event.

Last year, Great Aycliffe Town Council’s decision to cancel the event on health and safety grounds sparked an outcry among residents, many of whom had enjoyed the spectacle for decades.

Soaring attendance caused by the cancellation of bonfire events in Bishop Auckland and Darlington was blamed, with 15,000 spectators turning out in 2012 – three times the normal number.

This year, the council decided to reintroduce the display but for locals only, capping the number of free wristbands at 6,000.

It followed a similar move by Spennymoor Town Council last year to issue passes to residents to avoid an influx of people from neighbouring towns.

In Newton Aycliffe, thousands of wristbands have already been issued to people able to provide a utility bill as proof of residency.

Two further drop-in sessions will be held at the Oak Leaf Sports Complex tomorrow (Friday, October 31) from 10am until 4pm and on Monday, November 3, from 10am until 2pm.

The display is one of many taking place across the region in the coming days and police, firefighters and neighbourhood wardens are urging people to celebrate in a safe and responsible way.

Councillor Lucy Hovvels, Cabinet member for safer and healthier communities at Durham County Council, urged residents to attend organised displays, adding: “About 1,000 people are injured by fireworks every year, with five per cent of those injuries serious.

“By working together, we hope to limit the number of people injured on November 5.

“Removing illegal bonfires also helps reduce call-outs to the fire and rescue service when they could be needed elsewhere.”