INCREASING the amount of fireworks nights held at Blackgang Chine to three nights a week has upset some local residents.

Niton and Whitwell Parish Council has received a number of complaints and the chairman is to write to Vectis Ventures about the concerns raised.

Niton resident Beverly Lakey told the County Press: "For some years now, Blackgang Chine has held weekly firework displays on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer holidays, increasing in 2018 to twice weekly due to a 175th birthday celebration.

"To the concern of myself and a number of other local residents, Blackgang plans on having these displays three times per week this summer.

"Though aware that many enjoy these evenings, I ask them to spare a thought for residents of Niton, Whitwell and Chale, many of whom have to tolerate incredible noise, witnessing terrified pets, and having to close all windows and curtains in a vain attempt to minimise the noise. Sadly, we cannot do the same for the abundant wildlife in the area.

"Of course this is a tourist destination and we all expect a little seasonal disruption, but seriously, to expect us to accept the increase from once weekly to three times?

"I personally dread the summer now, the windows of my home actually shake. I cannot enjoy my home or garden and it breaks my heart to watch my dogs suffer such anxiety."

Blackgang Chine said it was investing in bringing award-winning events to weekends, by popular demand.

A spokesperson said: "Last year we experimented with a few alterations to our events, to get the summer party atmosphere right for local and Island visitors alike.

"We received very positive feedback from the thousands who attended during the summer months.

"We’ve received feedback from Island residents not being able to attend due to the typical Monday to Friday working week. Visitor travel days are also changing, and we’ve seen an increase in long weekend stays on the Island.

"We are trialling both our Big Night Out and Jungle Fever events to run on Fridays and Saturdays, at Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill, respectively."

Vectis Ventures managing director, Alexander Dabell, said: "We are investing in bringing our award-winning events to more people who couldn’t previously enjoy them."

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