SPARE a thought for those around you when letting-off fireworks.That is the message today from an Ipswich man who is fed-up with the constant barrage of fireworks.

By Georgina James

SPARE a thought for those around you when letting-off fireworks.

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

He believes the traditional fun and excitement associated with bonfire night has gone out of the window and is no longer confined to a special occasion.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, was speaking after another noisy weekend kept youngsters awake and terrified pets around the area.

Tempers are rocketing in Ipswich with firework fiends 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.

He 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."

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.

"Does anyone here think that it's about time the Government brought in Firework restrictions?" said a woman signing herself Tina.

"I'm sick and tired of them going off two weeks before and days after 5th November, frightening everyone including old people and animals.

"The fireworks themselves are getting bigger each year, and these mini explosives are getting into the wrong hands, if they haven't already."

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.

Loud fireworks should be banned from public use and restricted to organised displays, according to a new survey which shows more than 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.

Pet owners are right to be concerned about the effect fireworks have on their animals, according to a shocking new RSPCA survey of vets in England and Wales.

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.

John Atter, RSPCA regional manager, said: "We are horrified to hear about number of animals needing emergency care as a result of firework injuries. But at the same time the Society recognises that people in the UK enjoy holding and attending firework displays.

"We would encourage them to attend public events where possible and we would welcome any effort by the industry to reduce the noise levels of fireworks sold for public use."