Powys County Council in ban on Chinese lanterns
Releasing sky lanterns has been banned on land owned by a Powys County Council.
The council's cabinet voted to ban their use on council-owed or managed land or property.
Members were told that the floating paper lanterns are like miniature hot air balloons and are often used at weddings, parties and around the festive season.
Fire chiefs have called for an urgent review into the use of the lanterns after one caused a blaze at a plastics plant in Smethwick in the West Midlands, injuring 10 firefighters and causing £6 million worth of damage.
Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, Councillor John Powell said: "There is widespread concern at the impact of these lanterns. They may look attractive but the potential damage to residents, farm animals, wildlife and property cannot be ignored.
"They are a virtual incendiary device consisting of a candle or a fuel cell filled with paraffin wax suspended inside a frame, capable of reaching heights of 1,000m and drifting for miles. With more than 200,000 sold annually the danger posed is clear.
"Apart from the fire hazard, the plastic and metal components of the lanterns pose a real risk to animal and machinery.
"Their use creates unnecessary pressures for the country's emergency services and is opposed by the RSPCA, National Farmers Union and the Chief Fire Officers Association.
"I am pleased that Powys has now become the 14th county council in Wales to ban their use on all council owned and managed property. We urge Welsh Government to ban their use across the country."
The council solicitor Nigel Vaughan explained that the ban could not be applied retrospectively and enforcement may be difficult but the cabinet agreed that it wanted to get across the message that they would like people to stop using the lanterns.
Meanwhile, Powys businesses have received nearly £600,000 in business rate relief as part of a national scheme administered by the county council, the cabinet was told.
A total of 468 retail, food and drinks premises in the county received awards worth £583,000 as part of the Wales Retail Relief Scheme.
