COMPLAINTS from residents about fireworks have helped pull the plug on regular summer displays on Poole Quay.

And tomorrow night the town centre will see the last explosion of colour and noise into the night sky as the Longest Summer of events draws to a close.

"We have recognised there have been some comments from local people that it goes on too long and particularly during May when students are still studying," said Graham Shaw, head of marketing and tourism, Borough of Poole.

Next year big changes are planned by Poole Tourism with fireworks restricted to a family fun night on Sandbanks Beach every Wednesday during June, July and August.

Quayside pubs are being urged to get behind a new live music and entertainment event planned for a Thursday night during July and August, ending in a spectacular laser light show.

But this will cost £2,000 a night more than the fireworks and with only Future 3000 plc, the Thistle Hotel, Custom House and Lord Nelson contributing, £30,000 needs to be raised from other businesses.

"There are too many people who just seem to piggy-back on the event," said Mr Shaw.

"Two years ago we had to take away the event all together to persuade them to share the cost. Unless they agree in advance this time the same thing will happen again," he warned.

Main sponsor Richard Carr, chairman of Future 3000 plc which owns Oyster Quay, has increased the £10,000 he contributed towards the fireworks this year for Oysters on the Quay.

"I am fully behind Poole Tourism in what they are hoping to achieve and will continue to assist financially," he said, hoping others would also play their part in taking Poole forward.

"If it doesn't happen we will probably revert the beach event to Thursday next year and just say 'sorry Poole Quay'," said Mr Shaw.

Oysters on the Quay kicks off at 7pm on Thursday (Aug 21) with the firework finale around 10pm and Thursday next week sees the final Sands on the Beach event of this summer.