A FIRE safety officer from Droitwich has voiced concerns about a firework display near his home.

Alan Vernalls, of Hampton Road, said his family were prisoners in their own home because of the event at the canal basin on Saturday.

The bonfire bash organised by The Railway Inn, Kidderminster Road, and Droitwich Canals Trust, was in aid of the canal restoration project.

Alan said: "The area was gridlocked because there wasn't sufficient parking.

"Drivers should have been advised to use public parking. We couldn't get out of our road and visitors could not get in."

The 56-year-old claims the event was too close to homes and said animals living on the canal must have "gone through hell."

He added: "I'm certain there was no emergency lighting - which is essential.

"I'm not a spoilsport but another venue would be more suitable."

Railway licensee Andy Chard said: "We took all the necessary measures to ensure the public would be safe at our charity event.

"We worked with Hereford and Worc-ester Fire Brigade and the Health and Safety Executive to ensure plans met their standards.

"Many events were cancelled because of bad weather and we were inundated with people which we could not have predicted."

He added: "Thousands attended and I think everyone had a brilliant night."