BLOW out the fireworks!That is the message today from an Ipswich man who is fed-up with the constant barrage of the last few weeks.And his call has been echoed by council officers who have been plagued with complaints over the last few week.

BLOW out the fireworks!

That is the message today from an Ipswich man who is fed-up with the constant barrage of the last few weeks.

And his call has been echoed by council officers who have been plagued with complaints over the last few week.

The east Ipswich resident believes the traditional fun and excitement associated with bonfire night has gone out of the window and is no longer confined to the special occasion.

He was speaking after another noisy weekend kept youngsters awake and terrified pets around the area.

Tempers are rocketing in Ipswich with nuisance firework bugs continually letting-off powerful rockets and bangers throughout the year.

Seeing pretty, colourful fireworks light up the night's sky on November 5 is being overshadowed with a stream of constant loud bangs and high pitched whizzing throughout the entire year.

The resident said: "Living in Ipswich sounds somewhat similar to living in a battlefield.

"I realise fireworks provide fun and gasps for people, but I'm angry at fireworks being let off every weekend of the year.

"People who constantly let off fireworks, as well as firework retailers, are causing no-end-of grief to those of us wishing to live a peaceful life.

"Those that continually let off fireworks need to know that many people are concerned for their pets and in addition do not wish to hear loud explosions almost every night of their life."

An Ipswich council environmental health officer said: "We have received a number of complaints about fireworks.

"The complaints range from the fireworks being too loud, being let off too late at night, and firework night going on for too long - up to three weeks.

"Unfortunately noise nuisance legislation does not enable the council to effectively deal with noise from private firework displays.

"However, pollution services will be drawing up a code of conduct for next year which will inform residents how they can enjoy their fireworks without causing too much annoyance to their neighbours."

A poll on The Evening Star's website www.eveningstar.co.uk showed an overwhelming majority of people are in favour of restricting fireworks to November 5.

And messages to our on-line forum have also expressed concern about the increasing disruption from fireworks.

A recent survey voiced the concern of many people showing more that half the UK population is worried about the effect fireworks have on their pets.

A MORI poll, commissioned by the RSPCA, shows 71 per cent of those questioned thought loud fireworks should only be allowed at public displays.

Last year 4,825 animals were treated for firework-related injuries and/or were prescribed sedatives because they were so frightened.

Sixteen animals were put to sleep because of their injuries, and three animals were believed to be the victims of deliberate attacks.

nSee Star Postbag, page eight.