A MAJOR fireworks display at Eastleigh's Lakeside Country Park is set to go ahead - even though it falls on a day when full-time firefighters are planning to take strike action.

The country park's first big attempt to light up the sky has been earmarked for Saturday, November 2 at 8pm, which firefighters have named as part of their second planned 48-hour stoppage.

A joint venture between Eastleigh council, Eastleigh Lions and Eastleigh Lakeside Railway, the event is expected to attract thousands of people.

An Eastleigh council spokesman confirmed the event - which does not include a bonfire - would go ahead even if firefighters were on strike.

He said: "The fireworks display will be held on an island at Lakeside and does not include a bonfire.

"There is, therefore, a 25-metre public exclusion zone and a 150-metre radius to the nearest building. We understand the fire brigade regards the event as low risk.

"The council has undertaken a full risk assessment of the event and has worked with the organisers to ensure all reasonable health and safety measures are in place, including suitable public liability insurance."

The country park's visitor services manager, Rachel Odell, said: "Lakeside will be a great venue for fireworks. With the water as a backdrop the effects should be spectacular."

She added that with the park within walking distance of Eastleigh town centre and car parking available both at the country park and the adjoining university playing fields, a big crowd was expected.

Tickets costing £4 for adults and £2 for children will be available on the gate but can be bought at discounted prices in advance from Eastleigh Lakeside Railway or the Itchen Valley Country Park. For details and credit card bookings telephone Eastleigh's countryside service on 023 8046 6091.