TWO popular fireworks displays in Hampshire have been cancelled.

Netley Abbey and Lymington residents may be left disappointed this year as the traditional fireworks displays are not set to take place.

While the event usually held at Pennington Recreation Ground was cancelled after a major wind shift caused debris to fall on the crowds last year, the display at Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey will not take place because of the renovations works on site.

Multi-million pound renovation work on the chapel started in 2016 and are set to be completed next summer.

A Facebook post by the Friends of The Hamble School, organisers of the event in Netley Abbey, says: “The Royal Victoria Country Park management team feel health and safety would be compromised due to their ongoing renovation works.

"We have endeavoured to overcome these obstacles raised by the park, however we have been unable to find a solution.

“This event has been running successfully for over 30 years, with a very good health and safety record and we are extremely disappointed that we are unable to run the event this year.”

Organisers said they could not find an alternative venue.

They said: “We are all members of this community who have enjoyed the fireworks with our families so fully understand that those of you who have supported us will be disappointed too.

"We have made every effort to hold this event as usual but eventually the decision was taken out of our hands.”

Several residents took to social media to voice their disappointment.

A comment on Facebook by Vicki Brunink said: “Disappointing as it’s always such fun and a great fund raiser for the school.”

The site is managed by Hampshire County Council.

Cllr Keith House, leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, said: “Not content with cutting services, Hampshire’s Conservatives are now killing off fun fireworks.

The event at the Royal Victoria Country Park has been popular for years yet the county council has decided not to let it go ahead this year despite representations from local groups and councillors”.

Cllr Andrew Gibson, executive member for culture, recreation and countryside, said: “We are sorry we are unable to host a fireworks evening at Royal Victoria Country Park this year.

"It is a major event which takes a substantial amount of planning months in advance.

"A decision was taken that the extensive improvement works taking place would make it much more challenging to host the event.

"However, we are looking to bring back a fireworks evening in 2018.”