Members unanimously agree balloon release ban
The Council of the Isles of Scilly has agreed to ban the release of balloons, sky lanterns and non-biodegradable streamers on Council land.
Members unanimously accepted the recommendation in Waste & Recycling Officer Rebecca Williams's report at yesterday's (September 11th) Full Council meeting.
They resolved that the intentional release of balloons, sky lanterns and non-biodegradable streamers are prohibited as part of any event on Council land and property and for any Council event held on other land, including the marine environment, or any event endorsed by the Council.
Cllr Avril Mumford asked if the Duchy would do the same on its land, after which Cllr Jonathan Smith suggested that the Council use its influence in the AONB Partnership to encourage those partners, which includes the Duchy of Cornwall, to adopt a similar policy. The suggestion was agreed.
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust have documented many examples of balloons released on the mainland - and further afield - turning up on the islands.
Its infographic (below) recently resulted in a church in Harpenden stopping its use of balloons.
