LANDLORDS and licensees from Blackburn town centre are getting together to raise money to help save the Witton Park bonfire.

Ten town centre pubs, bars and restaurants are put collection boxes in their premises after joining the Lancashire Evening Telegraph campaign to save the extravaganza which is under threat because of a funding crisis.

Boroque, FJ Nichols, Napier, Moist, O'Neills, Goodfellas Restaurant, Bentley's and the Borough have already agreed to the plan

Pete Rawcliffe, chairman of the town centre Pub Link, is hoping that even more will get involved at a meeting of licensees, next Tuesday.

He said: "We have approached the town hall and they have told me that it is fine for us to raise money for the bonfire in this way.

"I have been talking to other managers to get them involved, they are waiting to hear from district managers and other people like that to see if they can get permission."

It is hoped that around 40 licensees will be at the meeting at the Borough Arms on Exchange Street, Blackburn.

Mr Rawcliffe said: "The bonfire always raises money for local charities, which is important.

"Everyone in the town knows what a fantastic event it is and nobody wants to lose it."

Blackburn Rotaract club are also meeting the Blackburn Chamber of Trade to discuss ways of raising money.

Chairman of the bonfire committee and vice-president of Blackburn Rotaract, Geoff Moss, was delighted with the news.

He said: "Now that the Chamber of Trade and the licensees are involved we feel that things are really moving.

"It is wonderful that people are helping in this way, it's all about saving a fund-raiser that has the capability to raise a lot of money for local charities.

"The Rotaract Club would like to say that any help in any way, whatsoever, will be gratefully received."

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