Samantha Giles has called for a change in firework laws to protect "frightened" animals.
The ‘Emmerdale’ star questioned why she could still hear bangers going off last night (10.11.19), a full five days after the traditional displays take place on Bonfire Night (05.11.19), and she wants to see a ban on fireworks for general sale to the public.
She wrote on Twitter: "Why are fireworks STILL going on? The law has got to change. Firework displays only on 5th and public organised events only. All those poor animals frightened to death. (sic)"
Sam then shared a tweet from her ‘Emmerdale’ co-star Michelle Hardwick, which linked to a Parliament petition to prohibit fireworks going on general sale.
Part of the petition states: "Every year more and more people, animals and wildlife get hurt by fireworks. It’s time something was fine to stop this.
"There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely so please help me stop the needless sale of them to the public!"
At the time of writing, the petition has been signed more than 305,500 times.
If a petition receives more than 100,000 signatures it will be considered for debate in the new Parliament.
This comes just a month after Sam filmed her final ‘Emmerdale’ scenes.
The 48-year-old star – who has played Bernice Blackstock on and off since 1998 – is bowing out of the ITV soap later this year, and while she will miss the cast and crew, she is keen to try her hand at other challenges.
She wrote on Twitter: "Yesterday was my last filming day on Emmerdale. I shall miss the laughs and have made some great friends. But sometimes it’s good to leave the party when you’re having a good time…"
Several stars wished her well for the future, including former ‘Emmerdale’ actress Gaynor Faye, whose character Megan Macey swapped the Dales for Newcastle in August.
Gaynor – who spent seven years on the soap – tweeted: "Shine on Sam, you’re amazing, can’t wait to catch up with you soon darling"
Samantha Giles calls for firework law change
