Causeway Coast and Glens Council moves to reassure concerned swimmers that NW200 fireworks were biodegradable

A group of Portstewart bathers had called on the Council to consider staging drone light displays rather than fireworks over the town to protect the environment.

The group of open water swimmers who call themselves The Herring Pond Hang Out say they complained to the Council last year regarding the debris which resulted from a fireworks display during the Red Sails Fireworks display.

Now they have repeated their call for drone light displays following the discovery of debris in rock pools and the sea following the recent North West 200 fireworks display.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Fiona Fitzpatrick said: “Last year I complained about the fireworks at the Red Sails Festival and provided pictures of the mess at the Herring Pond.

"This year is the same and I have more pictures and evidence. This plastic is being blown into the sea and is an environmental hazard. Animals are also distressed by these fireworks.”

However, in reply, a spokesperson for Council assured the group that the fireworks used are biodegradable.

In a statement, the spokesperson said: “The fireworks used by the pyrotechnic company and specified by Council are biodegradable, with no plastic or metal components. Following the display, those areas that could be safely accessed by personnel were cleaned over the weekend.

"Council’s Tourism and Recreation Team take its responsibility to assessing environmental impact seriously and strive to maintain a balance between public demand and expectations, and the protection of our landscapes and natural habitat.”