By Isle of Wight ObserverThe CLA is urging local authorities, community groups and private individuals staging Bonfire Night displays not to release sky lanterns – and the appeal covers the Isle of Wight.
The organisation – the Country Land and Business Association – is comprised of members representing owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales. And it is also asking bonfire event organisers to consider banning lanterns from their venues completely, in order to prevent spectators from releasing them.
Why? The CLA’s warning is stark – saying the lanterns can end up starting fires or killing livestock or wildlife – as well as littering a wide area.
CLA South East represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses in Kent, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.
Regional director Robin Edwards said: “While Bonfire Night offers a chance for people to enjoy themselves at one of the many organised displays across the region, we would like them to do this without releasing sky lanterns.
Releasing a naked flame with absolutely no control over where it will land is a serious threat to rural businesses, livestock, wildlife and the environment. There is simply no responsible way to use them
“They can kill animals, litter the countryside and start fires.”
Lanterns have caused problems on the Island in previous years with the NFU’s Island branch of the farmers’ union among several groups to previously raise concerns.
The CLA has been campaigning for a total ban for a number of years. They say they will continue to do so for the sake of farming, wildlife, the environment and property owners everywhere.
