Wiltshire police have agreed to waive charges for policing the spectacular firework display that will end the Devizes Carnival street festival on bank holiday Monday.

Initially, police sent a bill for £800 to the carnival committee, a contribution towards the estimated £2,500 cost of policing the event on The Green, when officers will be entitled to overtime pay.

But following an appeal from the carnival committee, the matter was referred to the force’s director of facilities and finance, Mark Milton, who agreed to cancel the charge.

The decision has come as a relief to both parties, because the issue had become a source of embarrassment.

Dave Buxton, the carnival’s artistic director who has been at the centre of arrangements, said: “We are pleased that is has been possible to waive the charges that had been proposed for policing the street festival on bank holiday Monday this year.

“It will be good to have this money available again to put towards the costs of running this year’s events.”

Inspector Andy Noble, commander of the Devizes and Marlborough police division, said: “Local officers from Devizes neighbourhood policing team have been working closely with the Devizes Carnival organisers and will be supporting stewards with elements of the weekend’s events.”