Dog owners and Round Table social club clash over Leyland fireworks event planned for this weekend
“Bonfire Night was last week! - all the dogs, pets, horses and wildlife will be completely unprepared...”
A row has erupted over a Leyland fireworks display planned for this weekend, with concerns raised about distressed pets and wildlife.
The fireworks are organised by the Leyland Round Table and will take place from 7.30pm on Saturday, at a private address in the Longmeanygate/Dunkirk Lane area of Moss Side.
The Round Table, a men’s social club, organised the annual Bonfire Night celebration at Worden Park last week. They have supported local fundraising and community events for decades, but their plans for a members-only fireworks display nine days after Bonfire Night has sparked some annoyance.
Concerned over the affect fireworks can have on pets and wildlife, a local dog owner has taken to Facebook to alert others.
She said: “I thought I’d be responsible and let local people know. How have we got to the stage of almost banning fireworks like most European countries and end up with this constant barrage is beyond belief.
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“Now a once respected organisation like the Round Table have decided Bonfire Night extends to 9 days after the 5th of November. The white deer, the horse sanctuary up the lane and all local pets will be completely unprepared.”
A former soldier who suffers from PTSD also expressed concern, saying fireworks over an extended period can affect his mental health.
He said: “As an ex-veteran, I’d say please consider those like myself who suffer from PTSD. One night is fine, although still difficult to deal with, but in reality it’s now a week this thing goes on, and it can be very, very stressful.”
But others said they support the Round Table and their member’s-only celebration, which is held each year for those who volunteer their time organising Leyland’s popular bonfire and firework spectacle at Worden Park.
One local said: “They put on an excellent display at Worden and worked very hard to do so and probably couldn’t actually enjoy it with family. The Round Table do a lot for our town, so why not let them celebrate before they are busy again over the Christmas period.”
This year’s event raised thousands for charity and Council Leader Matthew Tomlinson praised the organisers for arranging “one of the best Bonfire Night events in the North West”.
Leyland Round Table were approached for comment.