Do the people of Norwich love or hate firework displays?
The opinions on fireworks are varied among the individuals interviewed. Eve Parsons, who works at a fruit and veg stall, acknowledges that her cats may get scared of fireworks but believes that pet owners should be aware of this possibility. On the other hand, Sandra Simpson, who works at Norwich Magistrates Court, considers fireworks to be a nuisance and is annoyed when they go off early. Simon Leeder, a mental health nurse, has an indifferent view towards Guy Fawkes Night and is against a fireworks ban as he believes it would ruin the tradition for everyone. Jonn Watson, the co-manager of the PACT animal sanctuary shop, has a different perspective and suggests limiting fireworks to just the week or two around Bonfire Night and Halloween.
Gary Pegg, an on-call firefighter, recalls incidents from the past where people set fire to Beeston Common, but he believes that people are now less unruly. Bear, who organizes battle reenactments and a Bonfire Night event, has a dog and worries about it being spooked by the fireworks. However, he mentions that his dog has been around gunfire and was fine. Linda Coates, a retired individual, expresses her dislike for fireworks, citing their negative effects on pets and their seemingly prolonged duration.
These diverse opinions highlight the differing attitudes towards fireworks. While some individuals acknowledge the potential fear that animals may experience, others do not consider it a significant enough issue to warrant a ban. Some individuals appreciate the tradition of Guy Fawkes Night and believe that it should be preserved, while others find fireworks to be a mere nuisance. The experiences shared by these individuals, such as Gary Pegg’s reminiscence of unruly behavior in the past, shed light on the changing societal norms regarding fireworks. Overall, this collection of opinions reflects the complexity of the topic and the need for a balanced approach when considering the use of fireworks.