Deadly danger of balloons

Conservationists have urged residents to back a ban on balloon releases after a big rise in beach litter.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said volunteers have found an increase of more than 50% of balloon litter on beaches between 2015 and 2016.

They have now asked the public to support banning releases to limit the devastating impact the litter can have.

A three-year-old horse died recently after choking on a balloon string.

MCS says it wants more councils to ban the release of both balloons and sky lanterns on their land as part of its Don’t Let Go campaign. Emma Cunningham, MCS pollution campaigns officer, said: “Some people believe that because latex is natural, balloons made of it are completely harmless once let go.

“This just isn’t the case. Latex may last for up to four years in the marine environment.

“The latest research also shows that only around 13% of balloons burst into small pieces whilst more than 80% come down intact.

“This could explain the rise in balloon litter levels we have seen on beaches, which will have a great impact on wildlife.”

For further information visit www.mcsuk.org.

A razorbill entangled in balloon debris