Herefordshire Council will no longer permit the use of sky lanterns and helium balloons on council owned or leased land and at council run events. Their use will also be discouraged at licensed events across the county.

The use of sky lanterns (also known as Chinese lanterns) and helium balloons have become a popular way to mark a special event, yet their use poses a serious threat to wildlife and the environment as it is impossible to control where the released lanterns and balloons land.

For more information about their dangers visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/skylanterns

Sky lanterns and balloons pose a serious threat to livestock, and smaller birds can become trapped and killed. There are also environmental dangers with littering, fire, crops, even aircraft.