With bonfire night just days away, Wandsworth councillors can look forward to some VIP treatment at a fireworks display in the borough this Saturday.

A VIP tent will be situated in Battersea Park, enabling councillors to sup on a glass of wine and nibble the odd mince pie.

But Wandsworth's Labour councillors said they will be "boycotting" the tent following the council's decision to scrap the free displays on Tooting Bec Common and in Wandsworth Park, saying it would be wrong to take advantage of hospitality when local families will have to pay £20 to watch the fireworks.

Tooting Councillor Nick Bowes said: "A family with two children over 10 will have to pay £20, as all teenage kids have to pay the full adult price. In contrast, Lambeth offers residents two free displays, which are known to be a safer option than back-garden parties."

He added: "Just 12 per cent of all firework injuries are sustained at public displays, compared to almost 75 per cent at family, private or street parties."

But a council spokesman said those attending the VIP tent will still have to pay the £5 entrance fee with the food and drink being paid for, not from the public purse, but by the event's sponsors.

He added that the decision to scrap the free fireworks was a result of new EU rules which dictate how far a crowd must be from a firework display, meaning the free displays are no longer "feasible".

It is unlikely free firework displays will return to the borough due to these regulations, he said.

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