Torbay Council have asked for residents not to use sky lanterns to show their appreciation for key workers.
The statement follows posts on social media, promoting the sell of sky lanterns to release to show support for the NHS and social care staff.
Torbay Council said in a statement: “We know that many of you join the nation in ‘Clapping for Carers’ at 8pm on Thursday evenings, to show your support for the wonderful NHS and care workers, who are working tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19 (coronavirus).
“Torbay Council has a duty to protect the natural environment in which we live, and maintain our UNESCO Global Geopark designation which covers the entire area of Torbay.
“In light of this we are asking you not to release Sky Lanterns in support of our health and care workers. Not only are the lanterns a source of aquatic and marine pollution, they are also a fire hazard and a choking hazard for wildlife and farm animals”.
Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Culture for Torbay Council, said “Showing weekly support for our amazing NHS and care staff has quickly become a new way of life during the coronavirus outbreak, and we understand people want to mark this in many other ways. Whilst we are extremely proud of the local community for showing their support, we urge people to think about the most responsible ways in which they can do this, without putting extra pressures on our emergency services”.
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