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12
Jan 2021
Schools to be banned from releasing helium balloons and sky lanterns
Schools look set to be banned from releasing helium balloons and sky lanterns under a new charter adopted by North Yorkshire County Council.
The charter will forbid the activities amid fears they pose a “significant risk of harm to animals and the environment”.
The ban will apply on all county council owned land, including schools and care homes.
Lanterns and balloons are often released at charity events and celebratory occasions, such as weddings.
But fears over the impact on animals and the environment led charities and unions, including the Marine Conservation Society, National Farmers' Union and the Countryside Alliance to campaign on the issue.
As there is no national policy on the issue, councils have had to adopt their own positions on the matter.
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North Yorkshire County Council passed a motion in November calling on the authority to prohibit the release of lanterns and balloons.
Now councillors will formalise this when they discuss the wording of the charter at a corporate and partnership overview and scrutiny meeting on January 18 before the full council votes.
According to a council report, the charter is expected to say:
The county council will also call on town and parish councils to adopt a similar ban.
Hundreds of other local authorities have already introduced bans.
In January last year, South Kesteven District Council prohibited the release of lanterns and balloons in council-owned parks and open spaces.
Nottinghamshire County Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Lancashire County Council are among others that have adopted bans.
Although the move has not given authorities the power to enforce the ban, some use it to promote and “educate the public” on alternative ways to mark special occasions.
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