A new move has seen Chinese lanterns banned from Essex County Council-owned buildings or land in a bid to prevent fires, danger to wildlife and unnecessary litter.

The ban, which was implemented this week with immediate effect, will see anyone caught lighting or releasing sky lanterns from a council-owned building, country park or other piece of land, asked to leave.

Councillors will also be writing to anyone who currently leases a building or piece of land from it to advise them of the new policy and will include the ban in any new leases granted.

Cabinet member for Libraries, Communities and Planning Councillor Roger Hirst said, “While these lanterns may look nice when you launch them they can cause untold damage to our countryside, our wildlife and to our businesses.

“The remains of the lanterns can damage farming machinery if it gets caught up in its parts, start fires if still alight when they land, cause panic among and even kill animals, let alone becoming a litter nuisance.

“We have listened to the concerns of residents and rural businesses and taken action to protect our environment, businesses and wildlife.

“We now urge all residents to follow our lead and think twice before they launch one of these lanterns wherever they are in Essex.”