PLANS to set off fireworks on three consecutive nights have ignited a row in South Craven.

The Spence family, who run a business employing 40 people at Kildwick Hall, have put posters around the village announcing their intention to have a five-minute firework display on August 22, 23 and 24.

Lindsey Spence, commercial director of Spence Construction, explained: "On the Friday night we are celebrating a family wedding, on the Saturday it is the company's 30th anniversary and on the Sunday we are having an 18th birthday party.

"We have tried to be good neighbours by putting posters around the village.

"We have also asked the headmaster to give a notice to each child to give to their parents and have donated £200 to the school as a goodwill gesture."

But the plans have been condemned by Farnhill resident and pet owner Gail Simon.

She told the Herald: "There are lots and lots of cats and dogs in Farnhill and Kildwick who are very traumatised by fireworks. Some have to be sedated on Bonfire Night.

"The village has not been consulted on whether it wants fireworks or whether it is appropriate to hand over 'guilt money' to Kildwick School.

"I hope the school thinks carefully before accepting this considering the strength of feeling. I do not think the people of Farnhill and Kildwick want any peace offering."

Gail is an enthusiastic supporter of the Control of Fireworks Bill which is due to have its third reading in the House of Commons today (Friday).

It proposes limiting the sale of fireworks to certain times of the year and licensing firework displays.

Gail told the Herald: "A lot of people are exasperated by the accessiblity of fireworks and the use of them all year round."

She claimed that when she tried to get local support for the Bill she collected 65 signatures in one morning in Farnhill and Kildwick.

Gail conceded that the Spence family were within their rights to have a firework display but said that if the Fireworks Bill became law, they would have to obtain a licence in the future.

"I think it is very doubtful that a licence would be granted for three consecutive nights," said Gail.

Answering the criticism, Mrs Spence said they had put up their notices six weeks ago and this was the only complaint they had received.

There had been one other phone call from a resident thanking them for the advanced notice.

"I have told the people at the stables and farm and I have spoken to the police and Craven District Council. Everyone has been fine about it," she said.

She added that the displays had been restricted to five minutes and would take place at 9pm - the earliest possible time given the light evenings.

"We have done everything we can," she said.