A ban on releasing balloons and sky lanterns from council-owned land and buildings is to set to come into force on beaches and parks in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge.
Sedgemoor District Council’s Executive has this week unanimously approved a new ‘Balloon and Sky Lantern Release Policy’ based on the rules that were adopted by Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council earlier this year.
For the first time, balloon and lantern releases will be banned on Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow beaches, plus council-owned parks such as Apex Park, Marine Cove and the Manor Gardens which are managed by Sedgemoor District Council.
The policy simply states: “This Council prohibits the release of balloons and lanterns from Council owned land and buildings. This applies to Council run events and events run by third parties.”
A district council spokesperson said: “The Council has been requested by Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge Town Council to consider adopting a policy to prohibit the release of sky lanterns and balloons from its land and buildings.”
“This would clearly cover potential release sites in Burnham such as the beach, Apex Park, Marine Cove and Manor Gardens but also open spaces in the rest of the District.”
“For many years outdoor balloon 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.”
“Although others have also undertaken research on this issue The Marine Conservation Society has produced a thorough and detailed Pollution Policy and Position statement on Balloons and Sky Lanterns, asking UK Local Authorities to recognise balloons and sky lanterns as a form of littering and to ban all outdoor releases. This stance is actively supported by the RSPCA, the National Farmers Union and many other organisations.”
Town Council Clerk Tatiana Cant told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The Town Council is delighted to hear that Sedgemoor District Council has agreed to adopt a policy to make sure that balloons and sky lanterns are not released in any of the open spaces in the District.”
“It is great to see Sedgemoor taking such a responsible approach, and this policy helps to support the Town Council’s own recent decision to ban mass releases in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge and will help greatly with reducing litter, pollution and damage to livestock and marine life.”
“This policy will also help the town’s work on reducing the amount of plastic in circulation and its aims of achieving Plastic Free Town status as soon as possible.”
