SPARKY Lake District residents have redoubled their efforts to see noisy fireworks snuffed out in the Lake District with a series of high-profile posters on a busy road.

Representatives of the Windermere Campaign for Firework Controls claim people living in the heart of the Lake District are regularly subjected to a rude awakening of bangs, rockets and showers of light, terrifying

elderly residents, pets, livestock and wildlife. Residents say they have had enough and have stepped up their campaign to clamp down on pyrotechnic displays - often laid on as part of hotel wedding celebrations.

Ten signs bearing slogans such as "Stop destroying the tranquillity of the Lake District" and "Please say no to fireworks at your parties and weddings" have been put up on the A591 between Windermere and Ambleside.

The signs stand on private land, which is part of the Briery Close Arabian Stud at Calgarth Hall near Windermere.

The campaign first got underway in November 2002 when more than 80 angry residents packed the Ladyholme Centre in Windermere to register their objections to fireworks in the Lake District National Park.

Campaigner Trevor Hinxman of Bowness said: "These fireworks cause all sorts of problems for people and animals. Pets are on tranquillisers and I have seen some horrible images of damage done to other animals frightened by loud bangs. We want to see these fireworks much, much less often and much quieter."

Troutbeck Bridge resident John Ward backed the campaign and said: "These notices say it all and we hope most sensible

people will agree. People around here are pretty fed up with all the year round noise and watching their livestock and pets suffer. And for what? Profit for fast buck merchants peddling fireworks displays out of context. November 5 is a treat for children and that is enough."

Mr Hinxman urged people to sign a petition against fireworks in the Lakes by calling 015394-47406.

February 5, 2003 09:00