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Pub under fire for bonfire night display

The Saturday of this year's Margate's Big Event will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display
The Saturday of this year's Margate's Big Event will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display

A mother has complained to Medway council about a pub’s firework display after she claimed people were hit by stray rockets and debris.
The woman, who did not wish to be named, took her children to the event on Saturday at the Coach and Horses in London Road, Strood.
During the show she claimed three fireworks either hit spectators in the crowd or those setting off the fireworks.
But owner Jeff Clarke said he was unaware of any injuries suffered by spectators but did admit some fireworks went astray.
Mr Clarke, who has held a firework display for the last six years and had no problems, said he believed he had been sold a rogue batch and said the reason the show was not stopped was because the fireworks may have all been lit from one fuse.
Police and ambulance were called to the property at about 8.20pm but left after a person who was hit by a firework declined treatment.
The woman, said: “One exploded where they were setting them up, one came into the car park and another landed in the road.
“My children were very upset and scared and my husband was hit in the leg by something and now has a red mark, but we cannot tell what that was.
“I live down the road and have been to previous displays there and there have been no problems, but I will not go back there again. I appreciate you can have a stray firework but there were at least three incidents, the landlord should have done more about it.”
Six police cars went to the pub following reports of a ‘disturbance’ after people complained about fireworks falling on them.
Mr Clarke claims an environmental health officer visited the pub yesterday (Monday) and was told all safety precautions, including the distance spectators were from the display and how the fireworks were secured, were properly implemented during the event.
He is considering cancelling the show next year following the incident, and said: "If anyone had been injured that would have done it for me but environmental health said these things happen and we took all the necessary precautions."
He has invited anyone who believes they were injured to write to him at Coach and Horses, 40 London Rd, Rochester, ME2 3PA.

Were you at the firework display at the Coach and Horses? Or were you hit by debris? Call the newsdesk on 01634 227 821 or email kmilanian@thekmgroup.co.uk

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