May Fair fireworks spark distress

The fireworks were being 'let off' on their nesting/living habitat and all we could hear were the cries of distress from the wildlife that live there.

My children are being taught to respect the environment in which they live, so why did they have to witness what should have been an enjoyable event turning into a distressful one?

I thought that Newtownabbey Borough Council were trying to conserve the environment - not destroy it?

Ballyclare mother,

Name and address supplied.

n A SPOKESPERSON for Newtownabbey Borough Council has responded by saying that advice was previously sought from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) about the effect of fireworks on wildlife.

“According to the RSPB, there is no scientific evidence that the fireworks disturb the birds on a long term basis,” said a council spokesperson.

“No discussion has taken place yet about the choice of site for a future display in Ballyclare.

“However, the Council is aware that the fireworks are close to the wetland area and will be looking at possible other sites for future fireworks displays.”