Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
‘Stop this environmental danger’
Council bosses are set to ban the release of helium balloons and sky lanterns in the district after fears were raised about their impact on the environment.
Concerned councillors think banning the balloons and lanterns is “a no-brainer”.
The issue was discussed when the city council’s community committee met yesterday (Wednesday) at the Guildhall in Canterbury.
Whitstable councillor Ashley Clark (Con) said: “We are custodians of this planet and are here to protect it.
The releasing of these balloons and lanterns is irresponsible and selfish behaviour.
“A couple of minutes of enjoyment in watching a lantern in the sky is not worth the dangers to the environment.
“They can land in the sea and condemn a sea creature to death when they are mistaken for food – it is just a no-brainer to ban them.”
The RSPCA and other organisations have also expressed concern over the dangers posed to animals and the environment.
He added: “The council is not against having fun and normal inflatable balloons released at children’s parties are great. But we are concerned about these lanterns and balloons, which have now become fashionable.
“It is another factor in the long war against litter but hopefully people will see wisdom and decide against the folly of releasing one.”
According to guidelines issued by the government in 2014, sky lanterns should not be released by people under the influence of alcohol and the local coastguard should be notified if the location is near the sea.
Cllr Neil Baker (Con) said: “They are a danger to the environment.
“It needs to be known that by using a sky lantern you are releasing a flame into the sky that can land absolutely any- where. Other councils across the country have enforced an outright ban but that is a challenge.
“It’s difficult stopping the lanterns from being let off as it is hard to track down the individuals who are doing so. Therefore we will just be encouraging people not to do it.
“The lanterns were a bit of a fad for a time but in the past couple of years they haven’t been as common – I think people have realised the danger that they are.”