Fireworks cancelled after horse owners object

Rachel Kennedy said she was relieved by the decision to cancel Colchester Rugby Club's fireworks display

A fundraising fireworks display has been cancelled because of "unreasonable pressure" from horse owners, a rugby club said.

Colchester Rugby Club in Essex had planned for its annual event to return in November after trialling a silent fireworks display last year.

The cancellation of the event comes after some residents called on the club to be "mindful" of its rural surroundings.

One resident said she was relieved at the news as she was "terrified for our horses' safety".

Colchester Rugby Club's annual fireworks display had been set to return in November

'Terrified'

Rachel Kennedy, 53, was one of the people who had been critical of the decision for the "loud" fireworks to return. She said she was "hugely relieved" by the decision.

"Colchester Rugby Club is surrounded by fields with dozens of horses and we were all terrified for our horses' safety," she said.

"It is such a relief that our horses can survive and we can keep them safe."

The club declined to comment further.

Its chairman, Karl O'Brien, previously said last year's quieter display had been "an absolute disaster" which saw the club lose money because of refunds.

In a statement posted on its website, the club said the decision to cancel this year's event had been made "with much regret".

The event's profits would have been split between the club and several charities.

Ticket holders will be refunded automatically, the club added.