REGARDING the 10pm firework curfew at the racecourse, the council has dodged the central issue, which is that the explosions, at whatever time they occur, are ludicrously loud.

If a resident were to create 300 decibels of sound using a speaker system in their back garden, the council wouldn't hesitate to intervene for the sake of those nearby.

But victims of noise - including wildlife and household pets - are not afforded this protection if the sound comes from a firework display.

Why not?

This problem wouldn't have arisen a few years ago but, with the new breed of super-firework, the noise levels are unprecedented and measures need to be put in place to take account of this change.

When will the council introduce guidelines on permissible decibel levels?

Simon Evans,

Bishopthorpe Road, York.

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, January 20, 2005