FIREWORKS may never again be launched from the Guildhall roof after burning debris rained down on the crowd at last year’s Christmas lights switch-on, injuring 15 people.

City councillors will vote on Monday whether to continue the displays after a report published yesterday found a malfunctioning “multishot” firework was to blame.

Salisbury City Council hired explosives consultant and fireworksafety expert Dr Tom Smith to investigate the incident, which happened just after 7pm on November 20, shortly after EastEnders star Steve McFadden switched on the lights.

Dr Smith’s report found “significant issues” with display organiser SMArt Pyrotechnics’ risk assessment and procedures.

It said it was “obvious” safe distances detailed in the firm’s own documents had not been met and, even without the malfunction, there was still a “significant risk” to spectators.

He said the fireworks had been “suitable” but more care should have been taken as the crowd was much closer than in a “normal” show, adding it was lucky “more extensive or severe” injuries had been avoided.

“Had stars been caught in, for instance, an open coat or hood then the burn injuries could have been significantly greater,” he said.

Dr Smith said fireworks could still be used safely at the venue, but with more care. The report said although fireworks burned at 1,200 to 2,500°C, contact with victims had been “extremely short” so “no major burn injuries” had been observed.

And it said firework quality was “almost impossible to guarantee,” meaning there was always a risk of something going wrong.

The investigation found the malfunction was caused by a lack of “lifting charge” in some fireworks, meaning they exploded “well below their design height”.

City council leader Andrew Roberts said he was satisfied with the report and that lessons had been learned.

SMArt Pyrotechnics’ MD Steve Martin declined to comment yesterday as he had not yet seen the report.

Whiteparish father Brett Dyer, who was hit on the head by a firework on the night, said it would be a shame to stop the display.

He said: “It’s a really good free family event but I think maybe they should cut down the size of the fireworks or try to plan it a bit better.”