SIR, — How sad I was to read John Collins letter (Herts Advertiser, November 13) in which he calls firework display organisers cretins for organising displays at weekends rather than midweek if that is when November 5 falls. Does Mr Collins not appreci

SIR, - How sad I was to read John Collins' letter (Herts Advertiser, November 13) in which he calls firework display organisers "cretins" for organising displays at weekends rather than midweek if that is when November 5 falls.

Does Mr Collins not appreciate:

1.) That many displays are organised by volunteers who work during the week;

2.) That many parents would not wish their children to have a late night during the week when they need to get up for school the next morning;

3.) That organised displays are much safer than people lighting fireworks in their back garden;

4.) The amount of money raised for local charities by these displays?

I accept Mr Collins' comment regarding animals. I have pets which I happily keep indoors for the few days either side of November 5 - no great hardship for them or me.

However, has anyone else noticed the distinct lack of fireworks this year compared to previous years? No doubt the credit crunch has had an effect this year and there just weren't as many "cretins" as usual.

JANE BOOTH,

Harpenden Lane, Redbourn.