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PSM to ban balloon releases

Plastic pollution troubles local authority

Port St Mary Commissioners will impose a blanket ban on the release of balloons and sky lanterns on any of the local authority's land.

The decision was agreed unanimously by the board at a meeting held this week. Members were concerned about the plastic pollution caused by the balloons, particularly in the marine environment.

Releases will also be prohibited as part of the rental agreement for the Town Hall, with all ratepayers urged to 'take every effort to prevent accidental loss of balloons'.

The ban won't be introduced in bye-laws until a public consultation is held on the change.

Chair of the Board is Dr Michelle Haywood:

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