Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Bithell introduced the Release of Chinese Lanterns from Council Land report.

            There had been increasing concern from a wide range of stakeholders, such as the Marine Conservation Society, Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), National Farmers Union, Farmers Union of Wales, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and various Fire and Rescue Services, about the possible impact of sky lanterns on livestock and the environment.  Particular concerns included the risks to animal welfare through ingestion of debris, litter in the countryside, the sea and on the coastline, risks to aviation and impacts on coastal rescue services.  Since sky lanterns contained a naked flame, there was an additional concern about the fire risk to buildings, property and crops from uncontrolled landing.

            Endeavouring to prosecute a party under either of these Acts could prove challenging as there was a debate on at what point the littering actually took place and how it could be monitored and subsequently enforced.  In addition, the resources required were likely to be considerable and, at a time of budgetary constraints, could be prohibitive. 

RESOLVED:

That the Council introduce a voluntary ban on the release of sky lanterns from Council owned/controlled land; and that a communication exercise be undertaken to make consumers and charity organisations aware of the risks associated with sky lanterns and the fact they should not be released from Council owned/controlled land.