Balloon ban does not go far enough say LibDems
A NEW policy aimed at reducing environmental damage caused by loose balloons in Torbay has been labelled a load of hot air.
Torbay Council is proposing a new ban on the releasing of balloons at events organised by the council.
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The aim is to help keep the streets and beaches cleaner and provide greater protection for marine and land-based wildlife and habitats in Torbay.
According to the Marine Conservation Society the number of burst balloons and balloon pieces found on UK beaches has tripled in the last 10 years. These helium-filled balloon are released at publicity events.
Steve Darling, Lib Dem group leader, and his deputy Alan Faulkner say the ban at council events does not go far enough.
They will be asking the cabinet meeting next Tuesday to ban such balloon releases from all Torbay Council land.
Cllr Darling said: "Seven years ago, when there was a proposed balloon release at a Torbay Council Children's Services event, I was assured that balloon releases at council-run events would be stopped, so this policy does not seem to be anything new.
"If the Conservative-run council was serious about this issue they would lead from the front like Conservative-controlled Oxfordshire County Council have done and ban balloon releases on council-owned property and land.
"As with all environmental issues, the Conservatives say the right things but the actions fall short," he said.
"The policy is designed to minimise the impact of balloons on marine life such as dolphins and birds which are known to have been killed by balloons which have been released."
Cllr Faulkner said: "This is a real wasted opportunity. This halfway house is pointless."
8 Comments
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by Mike, Torquay
Friday, April 10 2009, 9:02PM
“They should call him Captain Darling after the Blackadder character.”
by Anthony, Preston, Paignton
Friday, April 10 2009, 6:59PM
“I am so glad to see that Torbay Council has suddenly become a four star authority where everything is running smoothly. This obviously allows our councillors the time to debate trivia at length. When are our councillors going to get a grip on reality?”
by ROY, Torquay
Friday, April 10 2009, 3:33PM
“Can we also ban the red rubber bands that seem to be breeding around the bay. Only seem to come out after the postman has been, spooky.”
by David Nicol, Torquay
Friday, April 10 2009, 1:47PM
“Well Diane...I agree with you about bins on each street, if people would use them! Children if trained properly will hold on to their rubbish until they find a bin, where ever it is! What is needed is money to educate children at school about litter. Dropping litter is just a symptom, so just clearing it up is not the answer. We need people who take pride in where they live.”
by Jobsworth, Torbay
Friday, April 10 2009, 1:47PM
“Millions of these damned things go up in the air each year, ending up dropping back to earth to be consumed by animals. For some years there has been pressure to find an alternative to this practise.
Yes there are Council staff who deal with litter - but remember it is the parents, grand parents and the children living in Torbay dropping their filth every day (and tonnes of it too) and not the Council. Plus our welcome tourists Pick up the litter yourself if you feel that strongly about it.”