Fireworks display to go ahead despite pet concerns

Constable Simon Crowcroft said he would discuss silent fireworks at the next Comité des Connétables meeting

A Jersey fireworks display will go ahead despite concerns about the noise causing distress to animals.

As part of the Christmas light switch on, a "short firework" display on Thursday evening will take place at Parade Gardens, St Helier.

St Helier North Deputy Max Andrews called for the event to be cancelled after a "number of constituents" voiced their concerns about animal welfare.

But Constable Simon Crowcroft reassured the deputy via email, and said the display was "more colourful flashes than loud bangs".

'Mindful of animals'

Crowcroft said the fireworks display had become a "feature and a key part of the Christmas light switch on over the years which is enjoyed by thousands of islanders every year".

He said the display was risk-assessed and as pet owners, the team was "mindful of animals too".

He said: "If you were to imagine a fireworks display being on a scale of loudness between one to 10, this display is designed to be around a four with more colourful flashes than loud bangs."

The Jersey politician added that in future "silent fireworks would alleviate the problem" and that it would be something to raise at the next Comité des Connétables meeting.