Boat owner says Leeds Dock sounds like 'war zone' when guns fired at Royal Armouries

Hayden Harris, 61, says he and other boaters are concerned that the number of gun firing demonstrations have increased over the years and are scaring wildlife and boat owners' pets.

Mr Harris - who recorded a video clip of swans flying away from Leeds Dock during a gun firing demonstration earlier this week - is calling on Royal Armouries chiefs to limit the number of demonstrations or move them from the museum's Dockside Amphitheatre to the Tilt Yard.

Mr Harris, a semi-retired videographer and photographer, lives in Moortown and has been spending time on his leisure boat for more than five years.

His boat is docked outside the Mumtaz restaurant, which is opposite Royal Armouries.

Mr Harris said swans have been scared off the water and he has had to sedate his Yorkshire Terrier Mollie on a number of occasions after gun firing demonstrations because she was shaking.

Mr Harris said: "I come here for some peace and quiet.

"The gunfire into the dock from their amphitheatre used to be occasional, but since the format has gained interest it has become intolerable - taking a quiet dock into what I can only describe as a war zone.

"I recently fought tooth and nail to urge the armouries to put visible signage in the dock area so people would be aware and they finally gave way but I should not have had to do this as it’s their responsibility in the first place.

"They can't fire the guns in the direction of the people who are watching in the amphitheatre so they fire in the other direction, which is into our dock.

"They don't last very long but it's extremely intimidating. It is absolutely quiet and then suddenly it's all hell let loose. It is extremely loud.

"I'm not trying to stop it. What I'm trying to do is either reduce it or encourage them to take it to the Tilt Yard where they do the jousting.

"They have permission to do the gun fire from the police and Canal and River Trust who own the land where the amphitheater is, but we challenge the now increased frequency of these gun demonstrations.

"We feel the permissions should have limitations or they should use their Tilt Yard theatre where they do the jousting which is away from the echo chamber of our dock."

A spokesperson for the Royal Armouries, said: "The Royal Armouries Museum and Leeds Dock is a lively area with a busy events and activities schedule throughout the year which draws in many visitors and school groups.

"This part of Leeds enjoys highlights such as the Waterfront Festival, Light Night, Meet the Army, jousting, horse shows and a range of other events on the water and on land in our outdoor arenas.

"The wildlife thrives alongside those activities and we will ensure that this continues. We work in partnership with other organisations around the waterfront to encourage visitors to enjoy the canal and surrounding areas.”