THE best things in life are free, but there are times when you might think folks' assumptions about their local council's largesse could be stretching the point.

Take the annual' New Year fireworks that didn't take place down at Bournemouth seafront this year (or even at the stroke of midnight last year).

I can certainly understand those people who made the journey to the seafront would be disappointed. After all, it wasn't the most pleasant of nights weather-wise and while memories may be short, expectations were certainly high.

The council, indeed the Echo, tried to let people know that there would be no fireworks and, until further notice (or until some kind soul steps forward with a few thousands pounds to spare).

The fact is that fireworks are very expensive and local councils are right not to waste their council taxpayers' money on them. That's why they almost always rely on the private sector to pay for them.

Indeed London's own staggeringly impressive 11-minute fireworks display, shown on national TV, cost more than £1 million, which I am sure will have delighted the homeless snuggled down under Waterloo Bridge for the night.

  • AT LEAST there will be something free to enjoy in the town from this year.

The operators of Bournemouth Pier, whose 50 pence toll has always confused me considering the singular lack of anything interesting beyond the entrance, have said they will waive the cost at certain times to increase visitor numbers.

Perhaps they might like to do it for local residents all year round, although it has to be said there's more likelihood of finding a free car park in the town...