FIREWORK display organisers have hit out at residents who chose to watch the Dunmow firework display without paying on Saturday night. Describing them as freeloaders a spokesman for the Dunmow Round Table group, which organises the display every year an

FIREWORK display organisers have hit out at residents who chose to watch the Dunmow firework display without paying on Saturday night.

Describing them as "freeloaders" a spokesman for the Dunmow Round Table group, which organises the display every year and helps to raise money for charities, has written an angry letter to The Broadcast describing the group's disgust.

It said: "As a member of Great Dunmow and District Round Table, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who came to support our Fireworks evening on Saturday.

"However, I would also like to express my disgust in a select few members of the public who thought it was fine to experience a 'freebie show' by sitting in the park or standing on the road and refusing to put any money in our collections tins.

"I understand that money is tight for many at the moment but a few coins I am sure would not break the bank.

"Members of the Table are at the Recreation Ground from 8am on the day of Fireworks, staying until late and then returning again the following morning to tidy up - not to mention the hours of preparation that occurs in the weeks beforehand. "Considering how much work and the cost that goes into the evening, I completely object to freeloaders.

"Without the public's support, we cannot continue to give generously to local charities and also afford to run these events in the future."

Despite the anger however, over 1000 people did come through the gates, paying their entrance fees in the process, and were treated to a huge bonfire, fair ground rides, food and drink and of course, a firework display lasting for around 15 minutes.

And just when the public thought the display had ended, the fireworks experts lit the fuse on several huge rockets for a dazzling finale.

When onlooker said: "It was a cold evening but well worth coming out for - the finale was really great. I will come back next year and bring some friends."

WHAT did you think of the display? Did you pay to get in? E-mail us at editor@dunmow-broadcast.co.uk.