IN response to Jane Wade ('Stop moaning', November 13), it wouldn't be so bad if Bonfire Night did only come once a year.

When one has had to tolerate the racket almost every night since October 1, and attempt to comfort terrified pets which are trying to find sanctuary from the noise, then complaints are understandable - and justified. The sale of fireworks to the public should be banned and such explosive devices only made available to registered and licensed organisations.

At least that way we could "enjoy" one night of spectacle and 364 nights of peace and quiet.

Come to think of it though - why are we celebrating the life of a terrorist?

A Dobinson,

Askham Lane,

Acomb, York.

...THE assertion by Jane Wade that Bonfire Night comes but once a year is somewhat wide of the mark. There have been fireworks let off almost every night for the past month, including nights after November 5.

If people actually celebrated occasions on their given date, then pet owners could keep their animals indoors on those dates, rather than worrying for days and weeks on end.

There were also very few public displays on the night of November 5, most having already taken place during the nights beforehand.

Meanwhile, the whole meaning of Bonfire Night is eroded by people letting off fireworks at all times. This is typical of a society that starts Christmas before the start of Advent, and Easter before Lent.

Who is to blame? The shops for selling such seasonal goods earlier and earlier or shoppers for buying them?

Dr Duncan Campbell,

Albemarle Road, York.

Updated: 10:45 Thursday, November 15, 2001