Ban on Chinese lanterns over safety fears

Sky lanterns

Chinese lanterns are to be outlawed across Rochdale due to the harm they can cause to animals and the potential fire risk.

The sale and use of the small paper hot-air balloons is to be banned in the borough after town hall chiefs voted to join more than 70 other local authorities in doing so.

Elected members unanimously backed a motion from Councillor Carol Wardle, who outlined the potential dangers of the balloons – also known as sky lanterns –  to a full meeting of the council at Rochdale Town Hall.

Councillor Wardle told the chamber that, with Bonfire Night approaching, it was vital to ‘stop sky lanterns’.

She said: “All these lanterns that are powered by lit candles must land somewhere, and while they may look pretty in the sky, they have become dangerous and cause unnecessary litter across our beautiful countryside.

“While undoubtedly a magical sight as they are released into the night sky evoking expressions of hope and good luck, each one lands somewhere.”

Councillor Wardle  went on to tell the meeting how the lanterns can potentially kill or injure farm animals, set fire to crops and cause a ‘significant and increasing litter problem’.

She said this had led to ‘many sad fatalities’ in the last year due to animals ingesting wires, as well as ‘numerous cases of hay and straw stacks catching fire’.

Her motion was seconded by Councillor John Hartley, who said those who release lanterns often do not realise the dangers they can pose.

He said: “Most people have no idea how harmful and the deadly consequences the release of sky lanterns can have for animals. (They are) also a fire risk and can destroy habitats, setting animal food and bedding alight.”

He added that the fire service was also opposing the use of the lanterns due to the risk they pose to nearby houses, thatched homes and camping sites.

The motion was unanimously carried.

Nick Statham, Local Democracy Reporter