Union’s call for ban on ‘lethal’ Chinese lanterns

Residents in rural areas, particularly farmers, have become increasingly concerned by the damage that the paper lanterns can cause to both crops and livestock.

And with both Halloween and Bonfire night set to take place in the next few days, fears are increasing that more people will elect to use the hazardous Chinese lanterns to light up the skies.

Helen Bower, president of the Womens’ Food and Farming Union, said: “Chinese lanterns only give short lived pleasure but their long-term damage can be fatal and costly.

“We have collected a mountain of evidence of the problems that have been occurring in the countryside along with the devastation our members and other farmers have suffered from the loss of cattle and horses. We are now urging everyone to contact Consumer Direct to state their problems directly on 08454040506.

“Any incidents which have occurred regardless of when, through Chinese lanterns should be reported immediately to this number, so that a complete dossier can be prepared.

“I truly hope the Government will take steps to ban these lethal lanterns and it is up to us to make sure we record all the incidents.”

Packaging around Chinese Lanterns often clearly states that people letting off the lanterns are liable for any damage they cause.

It is not just farm animals that have been harmed by the lanterns, with wildlife also suffering as a result. This week an owl was found dead inside a lantern on a Gloucestershire farm after becoming trapped when looking for food.

Recently there have been instances in which the lanterns have landed still alight on gas and petrol tanks in the Midlands, burnt a child in Wales and set a house on fire in the south west.

During the summer there were several reported instances of them having destroyed straw waiting to be bailed and having killed cattle who eat the lanterns and the wire frames.

Airports have asked for a ban and both helicopter pilots and coastguards are reporting that they are hazardous and are being mistaken for rescue flares.

Just last week the coastguard at the Isle of Man urged residents to reconsider using the lanterns after they were mistaken for a flare.

The NFU’s Think Twice campaign warns that the flying lanterns can kill farm animals, cause fires and litter the countryside. Chinese lanterns have been banned in countries including Germany, Australia and parts of New Zealand.

The NFU has continued to provide evidence of the problem to Defra and BIS.

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