MP makes Christmas plea on Sky Lanterns

South Lakes MP made a public plea for residents not to set off sky lanterns as we enter the festive season.

Tim has repeatedly campaigned on the issue of sky lanterns and the affects they have on wildlife. A recent blaze at a West Midlands waste recycling plant causing £6 million in damage was also started by a Chinese lantern. Tim believes that as well as the fire risk, there is also evidence that they cause harm to livestock as animals accidentally eat the wire frames.

Tim said: "Sky Lanterns are beautiful in the sky but they are very dangerous to the enviorment and wildlife. At the start of the festive season I'm asking people to refrain from setting them off.

"Sending a Chinese lantern into the air with no idea where it will land is like launching an unguided flame thrower into our beautiful countryside. Let's reduce the risk of future accidents immediately.

"I would also hope that we can persuade shop-keepers to stop selling these products and take them out of circulation altogether."