Any chance of the Hallowe’en fireworks returning in October has fizzled out.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark Ovens made a passionate plea for the reinstatement of the annual event at a recent Council meeting.

The Erne West representative said he was concerned about the “lack of involvement and oversight” that he claims councillors have in the Council’s day-to-day decisions.

Council Ovens argued that £30-£40,000 is a “small investment for kids and families” and added that reinstating the popular event which was curtailed last year due to budget constraints “would be good for the town, the Council, and the local economy”.

However, Chief Executive Alison McCullagh firmly shut down the proposal, stating, “It’s not feasible. A lead-in period is required, and the Council has already made a decision around this.”

Despite a seconding of the proposal by Ulster Unionist Councillor Roy Crawford, the Council Chair, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly (SF), declared he couldn’t formally move it due to concerns over “feasibility”.

But Councillor Ovens expressed disbelief, questioning, “How is it not feasible to have a fireworks display over four months from now? I can’t understand that.”

“This Council can spend money on flowerpots and things it shouldn’t be spending money on constantly, and getting all the criticism for that.

Impartial Reporter: Mark Ovens, Erne West Councillor, UUP.Mark Ovens, Erne West Councillor, UUP.

‘Proposal’

“But yet, when we make a reasonable proposal – and if it’s coming down to costs, we can save money by looking at it – this is £30-£40,000 in a £50million organisation.”

In support of Ms McCullagh’s position, Councillor Adam Gannon from the SDLP acknowledged the need for a “significant” lead-in time and warned against “playing politics for publicity’s sake”.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Victor Warrington said the proposal “was genuine, and we weren’t doing it for any other reason.”