A MEETING will be held by the Witton Park Bonfire Committee this evening to decide on the next step forward towards saving the annual fundraiser.

Members from Blackburn Rotaract and the Rotary Clubs will meet to discuss who to approach next for help.

Blackburn Rotaract, who organise the fire, are considering cancelling this year's bonfire after a fall in donations from the public. They feel that people have come to regard the event as council run, and have forgotten that it raises money for local charities.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph has launched a campaign to save the annual extravaganza.

Town centre landlords, licensees and managers have already held a meeting concerning the event and have rallied round to help raise funds to allow the event to continue but more capital is still needed.

Geoff Moss, chairman of the bonfire committee and vice-president of the Blackburn Rotaract club, said: "At the moment it is looking better and we are hopeful - but we will have to wait and see."

Apart from demotions, Rotaract still need assistance organising the event.

Barriers are needed to protect the public from the fire and fireworks displays, and help is needed to build a temporary road through Witton Park to the site of the fire.

Anyone who can offer any assistance should call Geoff Moss on: 07719 360396.