Concerns raised over sky lantern damage

GUESTS at weddings, festivals and parties are being urged not to release Chinese sky lanterns this summer because of the damage they can do in the countryside.

The paper lanterns, which are carried into the sky by hot air from fuel blocks lit inside them, can drift for miles. They are blamed for causing litter, starting fires and killing cattle when they fall to earth.

Farmers have reported sheep, cattle and horses being injured or even dying from eating the wire metal frames of the lanterns, while landowners say they are forced to scour fields to pick up litter.

Agriculture minister Jim Paice warned the public about the problems the lanterns cause and urged people to think twice about letting them off at celebrations this summer. He has asked the British Hospitality Association to advise its members, including hotels, restaurants and other venues, of the problems and to discourage customers from using the lanterns.

Glastonbury festival already has a policy of discouraging use of sky lanterns and other music festivals ban them on safety grounds.

Paice said: "Anyone who's seen sky lanterns at night knows how spectacular they are, but they probably don't know how they can cut a cow's insides to ribbons.

"I don't want to stop people's enjoyment, but I urge everyone to think twice about the impact of a sky lantern after it leaves their hands, and to find another way to celebrate."

Over the past decade Chinese lanterns have become increasingly popular at weddings and festivals. An estimated 200,000 were released across the UK last summer.

The lanterns, invented in the third century in China, are a symbol of good wishes. Their recent popularity in this country is believed to have started in the aftermath of the Bali bombing in 2002, where they were released in tribute to the 183 people who died.