Two balloon releases are planned this week to commemorate the five young men who drove the wrong way on the A66, causing a crash that killed two Cleveland Police officers and themselves. These releases are in extremely poor taste and will harm wildlife and the environment. We call on the organisers, local councils and authorities to cancel them immediately and choose non-polluting alternatives.

Two balloon releases are planned this week to commemorate the five young men who drove the wrong way on the A66, causing a crash that killed two Cleveland Police officers (PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough) and themselves.  These releases are scheduled for:26 August 2026 at 6pm – “The privy’s field, Penrith Road”
27 August 2026 at 6pm – opposite The Whitehouse, Eden Lane, Peterlee
They are in extremely poor taste and will harm wildlife and the environment. Released balloons and their strings become lethal litter that kills birds, marine life and other animals. Many UK councils already ban mass balloon releases for this reason.  We call on the organisers, Middlesbrough Council, Durham County Council, Redcar & Cleveland Council and any other relevant authorities to: Cancel both balloon releases immediately
Enforce existing local bans or policies against mass balloon releases
Encourage dignified, non-polluting alternatives such as donations to police charities, tree planting, or silent gatherings
Please sign and share this petition so the voices of those who want respect for the fallen officers and protection for wildlife are heard clearly and quickly.

Thank you.