�The future of a fireworks display in Romford is looking in doubt after worries about traffic chaos.

A licensing sub-committee meeting into the event, held by Romford and Gidea Park Rugby Club, will be held on Tuesday after scores of complaints from residents about traffic problems at the display last year.

Chairman of the club Steve Mersh said: “It would be detrimental if we lost our premises licence because I feel that we put a lot of work into the event last year.

“There were a few teething problems, but it would be a shame if we were not allowed to put it on again.”

The committee will make a final decision about the organisers’ licence, which will affect whether they are able to host this year’s event.

World-class

Objections will be heard from 84 residents living in Crow Lane and surrounding roads.

The Metropolitan Police also expressed fears that future events may attract crowds of up to 15,000.

Mr Mersh said: “If we don’t get the licence granted then it will just make life extremely difficult.

“We are trying to put on something for the community that everyone will enjoy so it would just be a loss to everyone in the area. It is the only one of its kind in Romford.”

Last year’s display, which was the first public fireworks event in Romford for 20 years, attracted more than 3,000 spectators who watched world-class displays by qualified European pyrotechnic technicians.

But due to the lack of parking space people were forced to park in nearby roads including Crow Lane, Romford causing chaos and prompting complaints from angry residents.

Mr Mersh said: “I think that we were the victims of our own success.

“We have learned from our mistakes and if our licence is reviewed we will try to avoid it happening again.”