By Brendan Mcfadden For Mailonline
Published: 21:00 GMT, 12 March 2019 | Updated: 21:08 GMT, 12 March 2019
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TV wildlife expert Chris Packham has backed calls for a town to replace its annual New Year's Eve firework display - with a laser show - to protect starlings.
A petition, signed by more than 6,700 people, called for the display in Bideford North Devon to be stopped over concerns about the hundreds of birds roosting under its historic Long Bridge.
Environmentalists claim the birds are so startled by the fireworks they fly into the river where they drown, or smash into buildings - resulting in them being killed or injured.
They are also said to be flying into the feet of revelers and then being stood on.
A petition called for the display in Bideford, North Devon to be stopped and so far more that 6,700 people have signed. It was started over concerns about the birds roosting under Bideford Long Bridge (pictured)
The call has received support from celebrities including nature series presenters Chris Packham (pictured) and Michaela Strachan
At a recent Bideford Town Council meeting members voted in favour of banning the display
