By Liam Barnes
Dharmesh Lakhani, of the Belgrave Business Association, said: “I feel relieved the event is not moving but still a bit disappointed we are losing a very big part of Diwali.
“The fireworks have been going on every year since it started. They are very popular and they symbolise the victory of Lord Rama – which is the reason we celebrate Diwali.
“They are a big attraction and draw people in and people might start doing their own things in the area on the day and that could raise other safety concerns.”
Arvinder Bhullar, who owns a boutique in Belgrave, said relocating the celebrations would have been devastating for businesses.
“It’s a partial win but it almost seems like a very sad Diwali without the fireworks, the festivities, and the stalls we have,” she said.
“It is a win in the sense we will still have footfall to bring more business onto the road.”