IT'S an uncomfortable truth that something used to celebrate can actually cause harm and death.

I’m talking about Chinese lanterns, these seemingly beautiful nymphs that float into the night sky, often wreak havoc with nature when they sail back down to earth as their candle dims. The possibility of fire is an obvious hazard when the ground is so dry in the warmer months but livestock often die as a result of eating grass and silage containing shards of razor sharp wire, the remnants of the lanterns frame. Cheshire East Council has banned the use of these silent killers at all licensed events.

It is us however who need to act responsibly and recognise that this is essentially lethal litter and could cause the agonising death of an animal or fire to someone’s property.

Let’s all try to act responsibly.

Beryl Jones