The threat to the environment and wildlife
Although balloons and sky lanterns released into the sky can look impressive, it is impossible to predict and control where released lanterns or balloons will land when they come back down and the effects on animals and the environment can be hazardous, even fatal. It is because of this that the motion was put to and carried through full council.
Balloon litter can be harmful to marine and terrestrial wildlife, sometimes resulting in death by strangulation or choking. Balloons have been found in the stomach of many species such as dolphins, whales, turtles and sea birds. The strings attached to the balloons pose a separate risk to a wider range of wildlife, that become entangled in the strings.
Even balloons marketed as 'biodegradable' can last for up to four years in marine ecosystems, therefore the ban also includes biodegradable balloons
Sky lanterns, made from paper-covered wire or a bamboo frame with a candle inside, lift into the air where they can float for miles, not only causing a fire hazard to crops, thatched roof properties and in dry conditions, parks, gardens and allotments, but potentially destroying habitats when they come back down to land.
In addition, balloons and sky lanterns pose a danger to aircraft safety as they may be drawn into aircraft engines or be a distraction to pilots.
Rescue services have been called out to lanterns that have been mistaken for distress flares, wasting their time and putting other peoples lives at risk.