Please can I ask your opinion on Fireworks.

My puppy is five months old and so far - thank god - shown no fear over fireworks. I am appaled however over other peoples lack of thought.

Friday just gone little Griffey and I went out for our evening walk, up the road - round the local green 3 times then back home. Upon our 2nd "lap" Griffey started barking at two dark figures kneeling on the ground with a torch.

Wondering what was going on we wondered over to find a couple setting up fireworks. Upon asking if they were going to set off fireworks they simply replied "yes". I pointed out that it was still early (6.40) and people still are walking their dogs, the reply was "well it is common ground".

I asked why they were not using their back garden and it was well gone past 5th November. They then informed me that they were from a local cub group.

Asking if they were going to bother to to come over and tell me - and any other people walking their dogs -what they were planning to do they simply replied "yes".

I tried to reason with these people and just got told "dogs mess over here all the time" and "some dogs aren't afraid of fireworks" I was simply left speechless.

If a local green is "common ground" can groups of people go and set fireworks off ? Would they not need local council permission (young children watching, health and safety etc?)

The green is surrounded by houses on three sides - I wonder what there reaction would have been if I had lived opposite the green and complained that they had woken up my 5 month old baby with their loud fireworks (trust me the first few were LOUD) - I wonder if they would have shown more thoughfulness then.....

I would think that your first stop should be at your local council offices :) Ask them if it is legal for anyone to set off fireworks on common ground (though I fear they will say yes)

Best thing to do is to either go out earlier or to avoid the area

Sorry I can't be more helpful :)

Melody