The recent spate of bans and active campaigns against balloon releases continues, with South Tyneside and County Cork in Ireland the latest two councils to propose outlawing the activity.
South Tyneside Council is the latest of 32 local authorities throughout England to ban the releasing of balloons, which is often done as in memoriam or as part of a celebration.
“Balloons and balloon fragments can pose a serious risk to wildlife, particularly marine animals,” said a spokesman for South Tyneside Council. “It is for this reason that we discourage people from releasing balloons, especially along the coastline.”
People could also soon be faced with a fine if they launch balloons into the air in County Cork, where the council’s Environment Directorate has backed a request from a councillor to draw up bylaws to ban balloon releases.
Independent councillor Marcia D’Alton, who proposed the bylaws, denied being a party-pooper, saying there were good reasons for imposing a ban and citing the hazards posed to wildlife and the environment.
