Calls To Banish Balloon Litter

Renewed Call To Banish Balloon Beach Litter In Norfolk

Shocking photos have emerged of balloon litter found this spring and summer along Norfolk’s otherwise unspoilt coastline. The pictures have prompted a fresh call from the county council, and the North Norfolk Beach Cleaners collective, for people to choose other ways to celebrate or mark important events, instead of releasing balloons and sky lanterns. Balloons were found on half of the beach cleans carried out over the last few months, alongside other litter such as wet wipes, drinks cans, food packaging and fishing gear. Cllr Eric Vardy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, said: “These pictures highlight a problem that’s unfortunately still all too common”. Norfolk’s Balloon & Lantern Charter gives people to chance to publicly pledge not to release these harmful products, or allow them to be released on their land, and to use environmentally friendly alternatives such as giant bubbles, banners, streamers, or ying kites. Serious after-effects of balloon and lantern releases can see animals can getting hurt or dying from getting trapped in, or eating the remains of lanterns and balloons which can end up as litter in the countryside, on beaches and in the sea.

Elizabeth Beston from the North Norfolk Beach Cleaners Collective, said: “We have recorded nearly sixty balloons or balloon fragments since May on the North Norfolk Coast alone, but the real number is likely to be much higher across the whole of the county” Cllr Nigel Lloyd, Chair of the Norfolk Waste Partnership, said: "We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful county. It's saddening to see this kind of litter spoiling coastlines and countryside when sustainable alternatives to mark a special event are readily available. I urge Norfolk residents and our visitors to encourage their neighbours, friends and family to find more sustainable ways to celebrate or commemorate important days”. The Charter builds on the bans that are already in place across many areas of the country, including in Norfolk where the county council does not allow the release of helium balloons or sky lanterns on land it owns. To find out more, and download the charter pledge poster to display at your home, organisation or business visit:

www.norfolk.gov.uk/balloonsandskylanterns

To get involved in local beach cleans or litter picks visit the Norfolk recycles website:

www.norfolkrecycles.com/communityaction/ lovenorfolkhatelitter

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We’re having an Autumn sale, take advantage of some great bargains from our clever crafters as they make room for their fabulous festive collections on Saturday 26 November for our Pop Up Meet the Maker event.

NEW products

We have just taken delivery of our NEW Thetford puzzles. They are high quality - and yes, they make GREAT gifts for the puzzler in your life - 500 pieces for £14.95 and £17.95 for the 1,000. Thetford calendars are also now in and we’ve held the price for you at £6.95 each or £6 for two or more.

Events

There’s a lot happening in Thetford on Saturday 26 November. You can Meet Father Christmas at Charles Burrell centre with a host of activities for just £5 For those that can’t make it in person, don’t forget our special personalised Father Christmas videos are also now available. Neil James Media will be holding special Christmas Photo Shoots (£35), ideal for creating your own unique Christmas cards and gifts. The Christmas Tree Festival begins at Thetford Methodist Church with the first of their packed programme Charity Market Stalls and Make Your Own Wreath (£7.50). The BIG Christmas Quiz takes place on Friday 2 December £5. The qr code below takes you to our box office for these and many more events.

Look out for the Christmas Tree Trail in December’s About Thetford magazine.

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