Issue - meetings

The Scrutiny & Elections Officer introduced the item reminding Members of the work completed to date by the previous Healthy, Safe, Clean & Green Communities Scrutiny Committee and initial discussions by this committee. 

The Environmental Health Service Manager (Commercial & Environment) briefed Members on the dangers of sky lanterns and balloon releases and the associated impacts.  The points raised mirrored the evidence gathered to date by both scrutiny committees.  It was also noted how the Council could have a role in awareness raising and promotion of safer alternatives.

Cllr Jen Wilson noted that as a landowner the impact was particularly horrendous affecting livestock and hay bales.

Cllr Anne Clarke noted that where there was a large number of sky lanterns released at night it was easy for the lights to be mistook for aircraft.

The officer suggested that a possible course of action was to propose a Charter rather than a Policy, as a statement of intent by the Council as to its approach locally.  Without national legislation clearly giving local authorities scope to act and protect their areas, this was considered the best action the Council could take, and was deliverable by the service.

Members thanked the officer for the briefing and resolved to take on board the advice given and amend draft recommendations accordingly.

Moved by Councillor Nick Clarke and seconded by Councillor Anne Clarke.

RESOLVED that the briefing be noted.