NEW Year’s Eve celebrations in Weymouth’s Hope Square could be scrapped this year.

The 10th anniversary of having a music stage, an outside bar and a barbecue there has been thrown into doubt following safety fears.

The managers of The Excise House and Red Lion have been told by emergency services and the borough council they must provide security guards if they want to retain the popular end-of-year party outside their pubs.

Excise House manager Austin Wainwright said the added cost and late notice will make it difficult to meet demands.

He said: “It will cost a lot of money that we have not budgeted for and it’s difficult to get the staff.

“We are re-evaluating to see if it is financially viable. It would be a shame not to have it as it is the 10th anniversary.

“It doesn’t make us any more money than having the inside bar on its own. If more costs get drawn into it then it’s hard to keep it going.”

Red Lion manager Steve Parry contributes towards the cost of the stage.

He said: “Their demands are a bit ridiculous because of the extra cost.

“We don’t have a lot of trouble so I don’t know why they can’t put officers on as normal.

“Why weren’t concerns brought up earlier in the year? Trying to get security staff now will be virtually impossible.

“I think they are trying to stop it totally.”

Dorset Police licensing officer Karen O’Donnell said concerns were raised by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset Fire and Rescue.

She said: “This event has gone on for years and there have been all sorts of risks highlighted.

“Fire risks and safety issues have been raised because of the number of people who enter without any form of security.

“We are looking at making sure everyone has a very good and a very safe time.

“If they are going to encourage people to come to the area and put on entertainment then we expect them to provide adequate security like any other premises.

“You get thousands of people trying to cram into a very small area so we are trying to ensure public safety.”

Demands also include moving the barbecue area.

Weymouth Fire Station manager Angus Nairn confirmed a risk assessment had taken place and moving catering stalls out of the centre of the square was recommended to improve access for emergency services.

He said: “Concerns were raised after last year as there were a number of hot food stalls out in the open and too many people packed in.”

Councillor Tim Munro, the borough council spokesman for community safety, said: “There are increasing concerns about public safety and controlling the crowds.”