People who hold balloon releases to memorialise lost loved ones should face harsher punishments, green campaigners say.
Though they've become a popular way to pay tribute to lost loved ones, balloon and lantern releases are banned on Newcastle council land over environmental concerns. But campaign group Save Newcastle Wildlife insists not enough is being done to stop them taking place in the city.
The group has launched a petition demanding tougher enforcement of the ban, with fines for anyone found taking part in a balloon release. They say harsher punishment should be accompanied by education about the dangers balloons and lanterns pose to animals and the environment.
