Two firework displays near Cheltenham have been cancelled after people raised concerns about wildlife, pets and horses nearby.
National Star College, near Cheltenham, was due to host its annual fireworks event on Thursday. The college cancelled it after a nearby wildlife sanctuary said it feared for the birds in its care.
Crows and a rehabilitation centre
Russell’s Rescue is a volunteer-run rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary for crows. It has been based at Ullenwood, near National Star College, since January. Its founder, Helen Motteram, said that birds in an aviary cannot escape loud noise and can panic and hit the mesh.
The centre said it had recently released around 33 birds, and many were still nesting nearby. Motteram has offered to give the college students an educational talk.
School display in Upton St Leonards
A low-noise display organised by parents at Upton St Leonards Primary School was also cancelled. It was due to be held on Sunday and was meant to raise money for the school playground.
Some residents had raised concerns about horses in a nearby field. The organisers said they had given 10 weeks’ notice, invited feedback and consulted equine charities, but had run out of options to move the event forward.
What comes next
National Star College’s chief executive, Lynette Barrett, said the students were disappointed. She said the college wants to find a quieter, more environmentally friendly way to mark the occasion, and does not want to replace fireworks with something equally harmful.
The cancellations come as the government has just finished a consultation on cutting the noise of fireworks sold to the public. The National Farmers’ Union has raised concerns about the distress fireworks cause to animals.
