WHEN I was a child fireworks were only allowed on that given day, except to say if my memory serves me correctly, if November 5 fell on a Sunday, we would then celebrate Guy Fawkes night on the Saturday, as letting off fireworks was forbidden on a Sunday.

I live in a community where many of the residents, like myself, house domestic pets and this weekend was the start of what seems like the beginning of a never-ending celebrations of Guy Fawkes night, which often goes into the middle of November.

I have no objections to public, organised firework displays or to the families who celebrate this event on the appropriate date in their back gardens, but my objections are with those selfish people in our communities who let off fireworks night after night with no consideration for their neighbours - or more importantly for our beloved pets, which is so cruel.

It’s not easy dealing with a distressed pet during this period, but I have found a solution which eases the distress for my cat, and that is to have all the lights on in the house, so he is not subject to the flashes.

With regards to the loud bangs, apart from trying to console your pet, I recommend cranking up the volume of the TV or stereo, which are everyday household sounds of which they are normally accustomed to.

I wish, but can’t ever see, bonfire night was banned, but I am of the opinion that those inconsiderate people who can’t wait for November 5 to stage their firework displays should be restricted to one weekend either side of November 5.

This would surely give some hope and respite to our nervous pets and their owners, that is until New Year’s Eve and beyond when, no doubt, those inconsiderate people will stage more firework displays causing more distress for our poor innocent pets.

If any of the Gazette’s readership are guilty of letting off fireworks before the November 5, my message to you is: Please stop, and spare a thought to all our domestic pets, many of whom suffer badly to fireworks which not only is heartbreaking to the animals but also to their owners.

Suzette Mizen Barrington Road, Colchester

  • Vigilance is needed to combat vandals

WHAT would a child in wonder about the world think about a planet without trees?

Buddha is scripted as saying: ‘If I thought the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree today.’ Contrast this spiritual mentality to the destructive degraded dumbo who drilled and poured substance into the base of sycamores, to slay not only the trees, but the beauty of life in a child’s eye.

Councillor Michael Talbot is right to be appalled, as are all community conscious folk, because as Michael rightly says, the cost comes from the public purse.

I for one, have no desire to sponsor the voyages of vandalism.

The only appropriate response is to report such pointless people, should one stumble upon their malicious misdeeds.

Waiting for politics to give the police the town is futile. Vigilantes, no. Vigilance, yes.

They will not have my hatred, that’s how these idiots win.

A tree has a dignity we humans can only admire and we have lost too many trees for the planet to breathe easily.

Collin Rossini Main Road, Dovercourt

  • Now it not the time for judgements

I UNDERSTAND the sentiments behind the letter from Mr Grace (Letters, October 25) following the tragic death of a baby in a recent dog attack.

I wonder however why he felt the need to include comments which appear to attach blame to parents and dog owners; the only people who know the circumstances are those who were present on the day.

I would emphasise I have no connection with this family at all and I can only begin to imagine what they are struggling with following this dreadful incident.

Surely this is not a time to make judgements.

Yes, maybe we all need to learn from this tragedy but I am sure that those directly involved are probably already blaming themselves without others appearing to point the finger.

My thoughts are with a family who must be overcome with grief while supporting the boy recovering from his injuries.

Liz Goodall London Road, Stanway

  • Top marks for my hospital stay

I HAVE just been signed off from Colchester General Hospital after having a operation on September 8.

I have only good comments to say about my treatment from the time in the elective care centre for my assessment before the operation, the care at the time of my operation at Elmstead Day Centre by surgeons Mr McRae and Mr Sheldrick, before and after the operation, also the nursing staff who were very caring.

Well done Colchester Hospital.

Brenda Ann Pudney Berechurch Hall Road, Colchester

  • Firstsite should have a space

I’m sorry to be a party pooper but I have noticed a rather glaring error in the otherwise excellent Colchester version of Monopoly.

The bus shown in the centre of the board operates on route 100 between Chelmsford and Lakeside.

It doesn’t come anywhere near Colchester.

Perhaps a bus going to Ambrose Avenue or Greenstead Library for example would have been preferable.

I have two other observations.

I do feel that Fenwick being a Bond Street store should have occupied the green Bond Street square rather than the orange section.

And, love it or hate it, Firstsite has cost us taxpayers millions of pounds and therefore justifies inclusion in the game.

Norman Bailey Cambridge Road, Colchester