Diwali fireworks fire-up Craigavon community
CRAIGAVON - To celebrate the festival of Diwali, Galencia Properties held a family-orientated event at one of their new developments, Mont Tremblant in Craigavon, however a fireworks display at the end of the event had many residents incensed.
Starting in the afternoon, guests were treated to spa treatments and delectable food which included traditional Indian delights such as samoosas and sev and nuts as well as Chinese cuisine, which reflected Galencia’s heritage as a Chinese-owned multi-national company.
While adults were given the chance to view some of Galencia’s new show houses, children were able to get their faces painted, jump on jumping castles and snack on candy floss.
Galencia lit up the night with traditional Diwali clay lamps and celebrated the joyous festival with Indian dance.
Community members dropped in to partake of the festivities but the evening took a turn when Galencia’s fireworks display, at the end of the event, upset neighbouring residents and their pets.
Galencia had previously come under fire from residents in February this year, when their planned Chinese New Year pyrotechnics display was met with protests from animal rights groups and residents, particularly with regards to the bush-baby population in Craigavon.
Galencia decided to postpone their Chinese New Year event and opted for a family and wildlife-friendly awareness day instead.
The noise from the fireworks was said to be heard around the neighbourhood and residents contacted Fourways Review to air their unhappiness with Galencia’s use of noisy fireworks.
@DREYER1R tweeted @Fourways_Review to say, “Last night Galencia Pty had illegal fireworks in Fourways. Same people previously denied permit! Their excuse? Small party!”
“I spoke to Vivian Li from Galencia at the small party! She knows its illegal – I am fuming! My dogs were whimpering!”
@Fourways_Review I spoke to Vivian Li from Galencia @ the small party! She KNOWS its illegal – I am fuming! My dogs were whimpering!!!!!
— Netjie (@NetjieD1) November 15, 2015
@Fourways_Review last night Galencia Pty had illegal fireworks in Fourways. Same people previously denied permit! Their excuse? Small party!
— Netjie (@NetjieD1) November 15, 2015
Galencia Properties said, “We understand the complaints and do apologise. We had independent people doing the fireworks and according to them it was domestic fireworks that we were allowed to use them on our own premises.”
Galencia added that they were, however, sorry for any inconvenience caused.
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