In her column of September 26, Pamela Hansen gave prominence to a letter from a resident of L-Iklin, who appealed for action to start against the firing of petards.

Surely it is untrue to state that the firing of petrads happens almost every day and is unbearable during the summer months, as this is limited to only a few minutes on the odd days just before the village feasts are celebrated.

Letting off of fireworks in the surroundings has been taking place since long before residents settled at L-Iklin. Everyone was aware of that environment before deciding to move there, so egoistic complaints raised now to abolish our traditions - which complement our tourist attractions - are not acceptable.

Ms Hansen is inviting her Pied-Pider followers to wake up and join her in her efforts to ban petards and is trying to convince readers that her list reflects popular opinion. If she ever makes her way through the crowds that line the outskirts of most of our villages to watch fireworks displays on the festa weekend, she would realise that those who favour fireworks far outnumber those on her list.

Pyrotechicians should get the appreciation they deserve for promoting our village feasts and making them more attractive to locals and tourists.

Perhaps if Ms Hansen had been living in Birzebbuga, Qormi or Attard she would have started a campaign against the noise of low-flying jets at all times of the day and night all the year round, and would have suggested that they switch off their engines while flying over those densely populated areas so as not to disturb young children, the old, the sick and all those whose rest is imperative.

Or perhaps had she been living in Pietà, Hamrun, St Venera and Msida she would campaign against the use of wailing sirens by the speeding amulances at all times of the day.

Hats off to Ms Hansen for doing her best to minimise noise pollution!