Organisers of a major firework display are scrapping the annual event after it was revealed the majority of people attending this year had not paid.
More people saw the display from outside Clacton's Town's Rush Green ground. Massive losses in income has now led to the event being scrapped.
Jeff Dewing, owner of the club said he could hardly believe what went on at the weekend's display.
"There were about 750 inside the ground watching the event, which was well down on previous years," he said.
"But there were about 400 gathered in the nearby park and another 400 standing at the back of the field where the fireworks were set off."
Mr Dewing said the bill for the display was £3,500 and they only took in £1,700 on the door.
He said they also had to put on 15 marshalls in the area where the fireworks were being let off to keep children away from any danger.
"It was a complete nightmare and we cannot do it like that again," he added.
Published Thursday November 7, 2002
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