BUSINESSES are to be asked to come to the aid of a town’s firework display.

The Northallerton community bonfire, which last year celebrated its 50th anniversary, is one of the biggest free events in the area.

Councillors on the organising committee of the town council asked for a budget of £10,000 to help fund the firework display this year. Councillor Claire Palmer told members the sponsorship agreement with car dealership Simon Bailes had come to an end and it was asking the council for the working funds to help book the firework display and increased charges that would need to be covered.

It was suggested the new Business Improvement District, which has been set up to support the town, could be approached but mayor Councillor John Forrest said funds from that were largely to be used to enhance and support new projects. Councillor Steve Williams said the community bonfire needed a new sponsor. He proposed that the council writes to businesses across the town asking for support.

Cllr Palmer told members of the town council: “That is something they could try and do in the future but we need to have something in place, we need to have a budget and meat on the bones to ensure the event goes ahead.”

Cllr Forrest added: “That is why we need to ask businesses for sponsorship and if we don’t get a sponsor we will have to go out fundraising as we have done in the past.”

The event is organised to encourage families and residents to attend to cut down on accidents and injuries at privately organised displays. Donations are collected by volunteers to help cover costs.