Council to ban balloon and sky lantern releases

Animals can injure themselves, sometimes fatally, while eating the remains of balloons

A council is set to ban the release of balloons and sky lanterns in a bid to protect the environment.

Walsall Council said the measure was a response to the potential harm posed to wildlife and public spaces, with animals often mistaking balloon remnants for food or becoming entangled in them.

The local authority also cited the increasing issue of single-use plastic pollution and the fire hazard risks of lit lanterns.

The proposed policy would apply to land owned and maintained by the council, as well as the adopted highway.

Walsall Council said the new policy would actively encourage private landowners and event organisers to explore alternative options to mark important occasions, such as bubbles, kites, digital fireworks, candles in jam jars, planting trees or flowers, and memorial walks.

Councillor Gary Flint said: “Our priority is to create a cleaner, greener borough, where nature is respected and protected and our parks and open spaces support the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.

"This ban may have some small impacts upon third-party events which intend to generate income, but the council feels that the benefits of safeguarding our environment and preserving the natural beauty of our borough far outweigh the costs."

More than 160 local authorities across England have already banned balloon and sky lantern releases.