Man says sorry for fireworks

A MAN has apologised after letting off fireworks on Christmas Day and upsetting neighbours whose dogs were left terrified.

Ben Warner said he would never do it again following complaints by other residents.

He let off the fireworks at about 5pm.

“Boater Ben”, 36, who lives on a boat at Goring Lock, said the noise upset his two Japanese Spitz dogs, Teddy and Jasper.

He said: “It completely ruined our day and my poor dogs were terrified.”

“Ben”, who is recovering from brain surgery, said he complained but more fireworks were let off.

Rob Jones, 63, founder of the Garden Design Company, who lives in Goring, called it “utterly irresponsible and antisocial” and said he had to tranquillise his Labrador Millie.

He said: “She is noise- sensitive and we have to give her tranquillisers prescribed by the vet. Because they take several hours to kick in, they didn’t work and there was simply nothing we could do.

“This means that she will be more sensitive and her reaction will be more intense next time she hears fireworks or something similar.

“It’s concerning as there’s so much wildlife in Goring and horses which may bolt. At least I can contain my dogs. If Millie had been off the lead, she would’ve raced home without a care for traffic.”

Mr Warner said: “A small number were set off at around 5pm for a very short duration, much to the delight of those who saw them.

“We wanted to wait until it was dark enough but also ensure it wasn’t too late in the evening when residents could be resting.”

He said the majority of fireworks had been used when he was made aware of someone shouting across the river to him but did not hear everything due to the distance and because music was playing.

Mr Warner added: “If this was upsetting or disrespectful to some residents, I sincerely apologise. After the distress caused, it is not our intention to ever let off fireworks again.”