Restriction on use of sky lanterns and helium balloons in Herefordshire

Herefordshire Council announced last Tuesday that it would no longer permit the use of sky lanterns and helium balloons on council-owned or leased land and at council run events. Their use will also be discouraged at licensed events across the county.

The use of sky lanterns (also known as Chinese lanterns) and helium balloons have become a popular way to mark a special event – but they pose a serious threat to wildlife and the environment as it is impossible to control where the released lanterns and balloons land.

They are also a serious threat to livestock – animals eat lantern debris which can be poisonous or puncture internal organs, and smaller birds can become trapped and killed. There are also environmental dangers with littering, the risk of fire to crops and trees and a significant danger to aircraft and helicopters.

Councillor David Harlow, cabinet member for economy and corporate services, said: "The use of sky lanterns and helium balloons pose a serious threat to the county’s environment and wildlife, so I am pleased Herefordshire Council has joined more than 60 other councils across the UK in banning their use.

"Sky lanterns and helium balloons will no longer be allowed at licensed events, or at events run on council owned or leased land. We would encourage those celebrating special occasions or fundraising to consider more environmentally-friendly options, such as planting a tree, or using lighting, bunting and flags."

The idea for restrictions was first mooted by Cllr Bruce at a meeting of full council in 2015.

He told members that a friend of his wife had to have a horse put down after ingesting part of a lantern.

The devices have also been blamed for several fires including a huge blaze at a recycling plant in Smethwick, West Midlands.

For more information about the dangers of sky lanterns and helium balloons visit herefordshire.gov.uk/skylanterns