CHARITIES and residents in Warminster were amazed to learn that the Warminster Garrison bonfire, which has raised thousands of pounds for good causes, has been cancelled because of Army budget cuts.

Garrison Sergeant Major Adam Diver has contacted all the organisations who work with the garrison on the bonfire and fireworks display, telling them: “The reason for this event to be cancelled is the call for austerity across the defence budget and a more heightened degree of scrutiny across the Army when it comes to civil engagement.”

The bonfire is one of the biggest annual events within the town and raises at least £2,500 a year for charities in the area.

David McCance, founder of the Imperial Charity which received donations from the bonfire, said: “It’s a shock because it’s well supported in the area and they have a lot of people who go to it.

“We rely on donations for many reasons: what we get from the bonfire goes directly to support the New Year party for people with special needs.

“It will be a big void in the town. I’m gobsmacked and if it’s truly down to cuts I think that’s truly shocking as it costs them almost nothing to run.”

Roger Kingshott, chairman of the Royal British Legion in Warminster, which also received money from the bonfire, said: “It’s a great sadness because it was a good night in general and was a good night for us."

We would put a stall out

Despite the cancellation of the bonfire, local businesses and volunteers are keen to see the traditional town bonfire continue elsewhere.

Trevor Whichello, owner of Distant Thunder Fireworks who were hired to do the display last year for Garrison bonfire, has contacted Wiltshire Council about a possible new location.

He said: “From a business point of view someone somewhere will look to set up another and we want to be the provider for that show.

“But also from a personal point of view I think that a town should have something like this. Warminster would be one of the major towns in the area that doesn’t have one

“I’ve sent an email to Wiltshire Council about the possibility of holding one but it is still in the tentative early stages. I have an idea for a site in the centre of Warminster though and if we can get the land then absolutely it could happen."

“I’m sure the Garrison bonfire will be missed by the town.”

The Wiltshire Times contacted the MOD for a comment but received no reply.