REGARDING the letter from Anna Semlyen (The Press, November 6), I notice from her address that she does not live in the residential area close to the firework display she enjoyed so much.

I do live in this area and was devastated not only by the frightening noise of the fireworks but by the booming force of the explosions (it brought back memories of the last war and the fear the bombing caused).

I was sure the house would never stand up to such force and feared my windows would be damaged. I am sure many of my neighbours must have felt the same. Yes, the fireworks were pretty, but not pretty enough to compensate for the noise they produced.

In future, such noisy events should be carried out at a distance from any residential areas.

C M Ritchie, Alwyne Drive, Shipton Road, York.

 

• I note Coun Semlyen’s praise of the firework display at Rawcliffe Park, but wonder why so many Poppleton residents had to put up with the noise which preceded and followed it.

This was so loud that it could be heard above radio and television programmes in people’s homes.

The noise of the fireworks was expected – it was, after all, in celebration of the actions of a man born in York.

However, I am sure he did not intend to announce his plot with music so amplified it was distorted.

Alec Acomb Hillcrest Avenue Nether Poppleton York

 

• If Steven Spielberg is considering a sequel to War Horse, can I recommend he books the Rawcliffe Country Park, as the ground currently resembles the scenes in that film.

Following the firework and stage show last weekend, what was a marvellous place for the locals to walk has been changed beyond all recognition and any sensible wildlife has probably exited as far as Acomb.

Local protest towards the granting of a licence for such shows was strong, but obviously City of York Council saw the money-making opportunities.

Somewhat short-sighted, perhaps, considering the cost in wages paid to the groundstaff, who made the grass and shrubbery look so good more than three days before the show arrived.

Realistically, the ground will take a long time to recover and the suitability of the park for such usage must be questioned.

Peter Brooks, Manor Park Grove, Rawcliffe.