I wonder if the time has come to ban large fireworks in suburban gardens? I am not against celebrating Guy Fawkes night. After all, he was discovered by Sir Thomas Knyvett who is in my well-researched family tree!

Some 50 years ago my wife and two daughters never missed the occasion but we always visited a well organised public display, usually at their school. The night was always freezing cold and generally foggy and the enjoyment was helped by a mug of steaming soup held in much gloved hands while stamping feet and unwinding a well wrapped scarf! Yes – the climate is changing! Our home celebration was by small hand held devices and Catherine wheels etc.

This morning (November 11) I discovered four spent rockets on my small patio and another six were recovered from other parts of my not over-large garden. There is also at least one other trapped in a tree. It is well possible that one or more might have landed on my roof and be residing in a gutter waiting to cause a blockage. .

Currently the explosives are contained in heavy plastic tubes which, after burning out, fall with considerable velocity. Should any of these rockets land in the upturned eye of a young, excited, child serious damage might well be occasioned. Last year I recovered more than 100 small black plastic cylinders resulting from star burst rockets.

I am certainly not against having fun but coming towards the end of my ninth decade have a cautious (perhaps overcautious) outlook on life!

Alan E Quaife

Carroll Hill

Loughton