THE CLA (Country Land and Business Association) says that a new code of practice intended to ensure the responsible sale and safe use of sky lanterns fails to address the fact that lanterns carrying naked flames cannot be controlled.

The association claims, however, the code contains so many restrictions on their use that it effectively bans their launch anywhere in the UK.

The publication Industry Code Of Practice - Sky Lanterns was published this week by the Trading Standards Institute.

CLA Midlands rural adviser Donna Tavernor said: “We have to remember that this is guidance - not law - but it makes it very clear that anyone launching a lantern - even if they comply with the code - could leave themselves open to criminal charges or civil claims for damages.

“We could accuse this code of tinkering round the edges of a serious problem but in doing so it has placed so many checks and restrictions on their manufacture, distribution and launch that it would be a challenge to comply with all the conditions."

The code includes advice not to launch lanterns within 30 metres of trees or buildings, 100 metres of fields, power lines or haystacks and people must notify the authorities if they wish to launch within 10 miles of airfields or by the coast.

They should also launch in dry conditions with no wind and not under the influence of alcohol or if they have any doubts about the weather.

Miss Tavernor added: “With an increasing number of retailers refusing to sell lanterns, and many local authorities and private venues banning their use, it seems, at last, that that their days are numbered.

“The CLA and many other organisations have been calling for an outright ban on their use and will continue to do so but in the meantime farmers and property owners everywhere will continue to keep a nervous eye on the sky in case they become the latest victim of this airborne menace.”

The code of practice can be found on the Trading Standards Institute website at tradingstandards.gov.uk/policy/skylanterns.cfm