Fireworks display too close to residences in Qrendi

I was astonished to read in The Times that the Explosives Committee turned down two separate legal applications for the fireworks display for the Feast of our Lady of Lourdes festa later this month to be moved from its present location.

This decision totally ignores the considerations of a large majority of Qrendi residents who live within 100 metres of the fireworks display, as I do.

No one wants to see the fireworks banned but there must be changes in how this display is controlled and managed, one of which must be taking into account the wishes of the residents who live in close proximity.

It is not only the noise pollution, which could be considered an invasion of privacy, but the fact that we have to live with what we have been told are "tests" of mortar bomb-like petards going off late at night on a regular basis and also fireworks being let off in the adjacent square at midnight. This happened two Sundays ago with total lack of consideration or prior knowledge of the nearby residents, many of whom are elderly and hate the fireworks but prefer not to make a fuss.

In our case we have two small dogs who are not used to this kind of noise pollution and become hysterical to the point that we are having to put them into kennels for the week of the festa at great expense!

Fireworks are an important part of Malta's history and a big tourist attraction but surely it would be a simple matter to move the firework display to a safe area on the fringe of the village which has easy access for the tourists.

Malta is now part of the EU with all its resultant benefits to its citizens but in 2008 it is time for Malta to fall in line with the rest of Europe and abide by its health and safety regulations.

It would be interesting to know if the Explosives Committee are aware of the EU's health and safety requirements pertaining to potentially dangerous activities and noise pollution levels in built up areas.

Perhaps common sense will prevail for next year's festa?