Balloons and sky lantern releases to be banned in Walsall

Walsall Council said it wants to better protect the environment.

Author: Kellie MaddoxPublished 8th Feb 2024

The release of balloons and sky lanterns is to be banned in Walsall.

Walsall Council said the new policy is a move towards protecting the environment and ensuring people's safety.

The authority said the measure comes as a response to the potential harm caused to wildlife, public spaces, and the increasing issue of single-use plastic pollution.

More than 160 local authorities across England have already banned balloon and sky lantern releases.

The proposed policy will apply to land owned and maintained by Walsall Council, and aims to discourage the use of balloons and sky lanterns at public events.

It will also encourage private landowners and event organisers use alternative options to mark important occasions, such as bubbles, kites, or digital fireworks.

Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces at Walsall Council, said: “Our priority is to create a cleaner, greener borough, where nature is respected and protected, and our parks and open spaces support the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors.

“This ban may have some small impacts upon third-party events which intend to generate income, but the council feels that the benefits of safeguarding our environment and preserving the natural beauty of our borough far outweigh the costs.

“As a council, we recognise the cultural significance and emotional value that balloon and lantern releases hold for various communities. To address this, accessible and affordable alternatives such as memorial walks, candles in jam jars, and community tree planting initiatives will be promoted, ensuring that diverse groups can continue to express themselves in environmentally friendly ways.”

Hear all the latest news from across the West Midlands on the hour, every hour, on 103.1 and 97.2FM (Wolverhampton, Black Country and Shropshire), 96.4FM (Birmingham), 97 and 102.9FM (Coventry and Warwickshire), 97.6FM, 102.8FM and 96.7FM (Herefordshire and Worcestershire), DAB, at freeradio.co.uk, and on the Free Radio app.