A MAYOR has backed down over proposals to scrap a popular fireworks display.

But he still faces criticism over plans to cut care services for disabled or elderly people and warned that further savings might have to be made as the recession begins to bite.

The proposed axing of Lewisham Council’s funding for the Blackheath Fireworks Display had been made as part of plans to make savings of around £10m to reach Government efficiency targets.

By pulling out of the event, which will be held on Saturday (November 5) and regularly attracts around 80,000 people, council officers claimed £36,000 could be saved.

But at a public accounts select committee on November 4, Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock ruled out the cut after councillors told him how much residents appreciated the display.

He said: “I’m persuaded by the arguments that we’ve been making about that. You can be reassured that we’re not going to do away with the fireworks.”

But Sir Steve would not rule out other proposals, including plans to exclude people with “lower substantial” needs from social care help, affecting at least 800 vulnerable residents.

The plan, which could save £1.88m in the next financial year, was already put forward and then scrapped before the last budget.

Councillor Ute Michel told the meeting: “The way we’re currently approaching the subject means that every single year we come back and are faced with the same situation.

“To actually put service users and carers through this year after year I don’t think is fair.”

Sir Steve said: “What we’re saying is that this isn’t going to be easy.

“There’ll be pain to get through this year’s budget.”

And he said the economic downturn would also affect council finances.

He said: “Unemployment will rise, local businesses will decline and demand for services will rise.

“I’m sure that actually we’ll need to come forward with further savings proposals.”

A decision on the proposals is due to be made at a Mayor and Cabinet meeting on November 19.