ELLESMERE could be forced to scrap plans for two of its long-standing firework displays over mounting costs.
Councillors reluctantly discussed the possibility of the how Ellesmere and District Rotary Club may have to pour cold water on its annual November bonfire after they made a loss at last year's event.
And Boat Rally organisers, the Shropshire Union Canal Society, have said they are set to follow suit and douse their own firework show which normally delights onlookers each September to mark the start of the three-day event.
Rotary Club member, Simon Mewett, lamented: "The costs of fireworks seem to go up by around 10 per cent each year and reducing numbers meant that we failed to beak even last year.
"We rely on people's support but we are in a quandary as to whether we can risk putting on the event this year."
The cost of the firework display put on by the Rotary Club amounts to well over £3,000 which includes public liability insurance.
"We offer a really high quality display and we do get contributions from both the town and rural councils.
"Now we need to see if local businesses or individuals can get involved to safeguard its future."
Ellesmere and District Rotary Club puts any profits made from the bonfire night back into the community to help local charities and projects, but cannot afford to finance the event if it fails to break even.
Ellesmere Town councillor, Pat McLaughlin, sad it was "very sad" to hear the event was in trouble and also bemoaned the loss of the annual Boat Rally's own firework display.
Increasing health and safety regulations are also making it more difficult for organisers to put on such events but Mr Mewett added that the number of people viewing the bonfire night fireworks from afar as opposed to stepping inside the boundary for paying onlookers had also contributed to a demise in revenue.
Anyone wanting to volunteer to help the Rotary Club, or businesses interested in sponsoring the bonfire, can email simon.mewett@btinternet.com