Laura Sharman 23 March 2017

Councils urged to ban balloon releases

Every council has been urged to ban all balloon releases after new research found balloon litter on beaches has increased by more than 50% in a year.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) found the amount of balloon related litter on UK beaches increased by 53.5% in 2016, when compared to the previous year.

It said that while 50 local authorities have a ban on balloon and lantern releases on their land, all intentional balloon releases should be stopped.

Emma Cunningham, pollution campaigns officer at the MCS: ‘There’s an awful lot of confusion over balloons, especially what they’re made of and how they break down. Some people believe that because latex is natural, balloons made of it are harmless once let go. This just isn’t the case. Latex may last for up to four years in the marine environment.

‘The latest research also shows that only around 13% of balloons burst into small pieces whilst more than 80% come down intact. This could explain the rise in balloon litter levels we have seen on beaches, which will have a great impact on wildlife.’

The MCS is calling on members of the public to sign up to their online pledge page to show support for councils banning balloon and lantern releases.

Are elections ripe for change? image

Are elections ripe for change?

Peter Stanyon, chief executive of the Association of Electoral Administrators, sets out some recommendations for boosting turn out in local elections.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Business Manager - Tendring District Council

Essex County Council
£45718.0000 - £52805.0000 per annum
Are you passionate about making a difference for residents in the Tendring District? Are you looking for a fresh challenge managing the business of a large and busy Directorate? The Place and Wellbeing directorate is seeking a Business Manager to jo England, Essex
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Leader LGV Driver

Wakefield Council
£27,711.00 - £30,559.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent
An exciting opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Team Leader LGV Driver Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Countryside Officer (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 - Grade 8
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Countryside Officer. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Streetworks Collaborative Working Co-ordinator

Wakefield Council
£31,067 - £33,366, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
The post-holder will report to the Streetworks Coordination Supervisor and senior officers of the Council Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Workplace Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 to £26,409 per annum
We’re seeking a dedicated Workplace Supervisor to join our Commercial, Property, and Procurement team. Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner