Somerset is the latest part of the UK to consider officially banning balloon releases as Sedgemoor District Council looks set to approve the ban ‘in principle’.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council recently introduced a ban on balloon and lantern releases from its land and now wants the district authority to follow suit.
Sedgemoor District Council looks set to approve ‘in principle’ a policy to prevent people from releasing balloons and sky lanterns due to the impact they have on wildlife.
The new policy for the district – which will apply in relation to council-owned land and buildings – will be discussed by the council’s executive committee on Wednesday 6 June.
A district council report states: “For many years, outdoor balloons and sky lantern releases have been a relatively common event nationally at summer fairs, fundraising events, opening of new stores, or part of commemorative and celebratory occasions.
“However, what is less known is what happens once these items have been released and the potentially harmful consequences for wildlife, livestock and property that can occur as a result of this form of celebration.”
The report was drawn up by Adrian Gardner, group manager for environmental services and proposes that other councils across the Sedgemoor district consider adopting the same policy.
Almost 70 councils across the UK already have similar bans in place.
