A WEEKEND fireworks display at a top Lake District hotel resulted in a roadside protest this week after residents claimed the excessive noise put wildlife, pets and livestock in danger.

Members of the Windermere Campaign for Firework Controls claimed the display, at The Samling on Saturday evening, could be heard from as far afield as Ambleside and Bowness.

Around 13 protestors arrived at the hotel in a tractor-led convoy on Wednesday to present a letter of objection containing 33 names to the hotel, before conducting a peaceful demonstration at the roadside.

But general manager of the hotel, Nigel Parkin, said notice of the display was given to local people in the area 24 hours in advance and that the fireworks used complied with regulations.

He added he had received several telephone calls from people in the area who expressed thanks for the display.

The protest was the culmination of a series of exchanges between the group and the hotel, which holds regular firework displays throughout the year.

The Samling confirmed there were a further eight displays planned for 2005.

Chairman of the group, Bowness resident Trevor Hinxman, said: "The fireworks are so loud they are destroying the peace and tranquillity that people travel to the Lake District to enjoy and are disturbing residents on a regular basis.

"But worst of all, they are putting the lives of animals as well as people's businesses in danger. There are mares in foal in nearby fields on top of the fact that it is lambing season. Both can abort if frightened or abandon their young. They can also seriously injure themselves.

"We have asked the hotel repeatedly to stop the displays, or to use silent fireworks, but they are not interested and carry on regardless."

Leslie Middlebrook, who runs Wood Farm, an equine stud in Ecclerigg, said: "They don't care about the cruelty and distress they are causing.

"We are not people who would usually do this but we feel we have to show the strength of feeling within a community the hotel certainly doesn't care about."

Mr Parkin, however, said he was entirely sympathetic to the protestors' cause.

"The safety of animals and wildlife is paramount, which is why we give 24 hours notice to people in the area so they can bring their animals indoors.

"They have a right to demonstrate but we have invited a representative of the group to meet us to discuss the matter in private," said Mr Parkin.

"I don't think this is the right way to go about getting what they want.

"As far as we are aware, the fireworks meet all regulations and we are currently looking into reducing the noise level.

"However, the hotel is contracted to carry out further displays over the next 18 months which we cannot stop now."