There is enough evidence which shows clearly the disastrous effects that Chinese lanterns have on wildlife, sea life and farm animals. Given the significance of agriculture to our County, and the presence of Special Areas of Marine Conservation – as well as various rare birds and animals – I urge Ceredigion County Council to prohibit Chinese/air lanterns on its land, property and every Council owned beach in Ceredigion.
The motion was proposed by Councillor Mark Strong and seconded by Councillor Catrin Miles. Ceredigion is the twelfth county in Wales to introduce a prohibition of this sort on Chinese lanterns.
Councillor Alun Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Carbon Management, said: “It’s understood that these lanterns are launched by people only wanting to have fun or create la memorable occasion. But there is clear evidence that they can cause real damage to livestock and wildlife and, most of all, the fire risk from them is very high, especially in the Summer.
We’ve listened to the calls from organisations like the RSPCA and the farming unions and Ceredigion has now joined a growing list of counties not allowing these lanterns to be launched from its land. We hope other landowners will follow our lead and the risk they pose can then be eradicated from the county.”
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