Harborough council leader urges people to stop releasing 'serious fire hazard' sky lanterns

The leader of Harborough council is urging people to stop releasing sky lanterns as he branded them a “serious fire hazard”.

Cllr Phil King said Harborough District Council backs “the approach of colleagues at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service”.

"This position statement has been released in response to numerous emails I have received from residents across Harborough district.

“While they may look nice sky lanterns are a serious fire hazard,” insisted Cllr King.

“That’s particularly so in rural areas like Harborough district, where there are many more unattended farm and agricultural buildings than usual.

“So I strongly urge members of the public to stop using them."

The local authority said sky lanterns pose a real danger to wildlife and livestock as well as green spaces and properties.

“We would urge people not to put added pressure on the emergency services and NHS at this time.

“It would be very difficult to enforce any ban on sky lanterns on privately-owned property,” said the council.

“But we would strongly urge residents not to use them in line with the fire safety advice and other issues mentioned above.”

Harborough council has also signed up to the Plastics Pledge.

It’s actively discouraging the use of plastic-based balloons, opting instead for eco-friendly decorations.

The Plastics Pledge highlights the harm single-use plastic has on the environment.

“We would encourage people to mark occasions appropriately and in a way that is safe and environmentally-friendly,” said Harborough council.