Public Safety Minister Quinton Edness and Police have moved to snuff out an explosive dispute between Southampton Princess and its neighbours.

They have banned the hotel from holding poolside fireworks displays. And permission for displays from other areas of the hotel's property, including the Whaler Inn, will depend on the wind direction.

The decision came after more than 70 people in the Horseshoe Road and Sunnyside Park area signed a petition against firework displays at the hotel.

They complained that hot ash and debris from recent fireworks displays at the hotel littered their roofs, cars, and yards.

They also expressed fear that the debris could pose a risk to their health, particularly if it fell into their water tanks.

Sunnyside Park resident Arnold Cann, who presented the petition to Mr. Edness last month, suggested that the hotel move the displays to the old Naval Annex at Southampton.

"It is not that I want to have them eliminated,'' he explained, "but I want to have them relocated. Maybe at the Annex, where it would be much more enjoyable for everyone.'' Mr. Cann told The Royal Gazette this week he had met with Mr. Edness and Police Commissioner Colin Coxall to discuss the matter further.

And four days ago he received a letter from Mr. Edness informing him that the matter had been resolved.

"The situation relating to the unfortunate incident involving fireworks at the Southampton Princess has been dealt with at my request by the Commissioner and his senior staff,'' Mr. Edness wrote in the letter dated December 6.

"The convention manager has been informed that no fireworks display should take place from the pool area, however, provided proper control is maintained, a Police licence will be issued for fireworks display under the Explosive Substances Act, 1974 for the Whaler Inn area, provided the wind direction does not cause danger to residential property.

"Mr. Whitey Froud who provides this fireworks display has been similarly informed. I hope this clarifies the matter.'' Mr. Edness later told The Royal Gazette : "I think it may be a happy medium and it should work.

"We're pleased with the cooperation from the hotel and the residents are happy that we came up with this plan.

"But it is important for them (Southampton Princess) to be able to entertain guests. There may be an occasion when the hotel may be able to hold displays on the property, depending on the direction of the wind. And hopefully it will not be a threat to the neighbours.'' Mr. Edness said he was informed by Police that the hotel did not have any problems with the new arrangements.

But when contacted this week, Southampton Princess general manager Manfred Timmel said he was not aware of Mr. Edness' letter and believed the convention manager would have mentioned it to him if he had seen it.

"We will have to have a look at it before we make any statement,'' he said.

While admitting earlier this year that the fireworks were a "nuisance to the neighbours'', Mr. Timmel said the hotel had to cater to visitors.

"Southampton Princess is catering to the largest convention business on the Island,'' he pointed out. "It is part of making the programme successful.'' Quinton Edness