A WEST Dunbartonshire councillor is calling for mass balloon releases to be banned on council-owned property.

Councillor Iain McLaren wants the practice stopped to protect the environment and wildlife.

He has lodged a motion to the council asking officers to take steps to ban them.

The motion, to be debated at a meeting tomorrow (May 29) wants members to note that balloons return to earth as ugly litter that is dangerous to wildlife, particularly marine wildlife.

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It calls on the council to recognise the concerns of farmers, environmentalists, biologists and animal lovers, and their work to raise awareness of and tackle this problem.

The motion points out that more than half of the local authorities in Scotland, including Argyll & Bute, have already banned mass balloon releases on their land.

The practice has become popular at weddings, and various family celebrations including memorials, and even as a way of remembering loved ones who have passed away.

Environmental groups who organise litter picking sessions in the area have found balloons during their current campaigns, along with other harmful substances including flushed waste and single-use plastics such as bags, straws and coffee cups.