REGARDING the decision to ban bonfires in the Audley area of Blackburn (LET, September 24), I support the comments that organised bonfires are the only way to a safer future.

When I was growing up in the Mill Hill area of the town, we used to have the biggest bonfire in the area, in the back alley of Stephen Street. We would throw everything, from sofas and fridges to record players, on the bonfire.

Every year someone would get injured, even though it may have been only slightly. Our bonfires regularly stood 10-12 feet high and took over the entire width of the alley. We had to remove yard doors to save them from burning.

But I also have to agree that the bonfire is a traditional right, which the rest of the world looks on with general curiosity and disbelief.

I was in the United States last year and, due to all the environmentalist lobbying, everything like this is organised, which generally makes things boring to a lot of people.

Bonfire Night is also a great reason for a community get together when you can chat with the rest of your neighbours, which doesn't happen much these days.

We used to have great get-togethers on bonfire nights, with everybody cooking and passing around something to drink. It's a benefit to many of our communities, despite the few that get out of hand.

Don't be too rough on getting rid of Bonfire Night. After all, our firefighters can earn their nice new pay rises over this next few weeks.

CRAIG BRINDLE, Mackenbach, Germany.