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Introduction

Community and event organisers in this area are being urged not to "blow it" by releasing helium balloons in celebrations or fund raising events. Our Marine Conservation Officer, said: "Hundreds of balloons soaring into the sky may look impressive.

However, many people are unaware that balloon releases can harm the environment and prove fatal for animals, both at sea and in the countryside."

The problem is so serious that the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), RSPCA, National Farmers Union (NFU) and ENCAMS (which runs Keep Britain Tidy) have previously called on all organisations to support a voluntary ban on balloon releases. The 2003 Marine Conservation Society's annual Beachwatch survey report found 1175 balloons on 135km of coastline.

The NFU office said: "When the balloons land in grass fields they might be eaten by grazing livestock or contaminate hay, again with the risk of being swallowed by livestock when they eat the hay. Balloons are just another form of litter, making the countryside look untidy."

90-95 percent of balloons rise to an altitude of three kilometres before bursting into small fragments which fall to earth. Others can drift several miles before descending to the land or sea still semi-inflated. Degradable latex balloons may then take up to six months to break down, and those with foil linings take even longer.

The marine conservation office said: "Balloons are actually a very serious form of pollution. Various marine creatures, including dolphins, whales, turtles, fish and seabirds, have been found in the waters off the UK with balloons in their stomachs. They are likely to have mistaken the balloons for natural prey such as jellyfish and squid. In addition to problems caused by the balloons themselves, strings and ribbons can also entangle animals.

"We have no wish to upset any money raising events organised by the many wonderful charities but there are alternatives."