A council has introduced stringent powers to tackle the menace of sky lanterns and helium balloons - it has banned them altogether.

The move, agreed at Canterbury City Council's community committee last night, means no-one will be able to release balloons on authority-owned or managed land during events.

But members stopped short of making it an anti-social behaviour order offence, for fear someone might be fined £100 when they are commemorating a lost loved one.

The move follows widespread opposition to the trend of releasing balloons and lanterns at events, including memorials to loved ones and anniversaries.

Committee members heard of the potential environmental dangers of the lanterns.

The Marine Conservation Society said: "When balloons and sky lanterns (sometimes known as Chinese lanterns) are released, they don't just simply disapppear.

"They float back down to earth, either whole or in pieces, adding to existing litter."

"Balloons and sky lanterns are particularly dangers pieces of litter.

"Balloons are mistaken for food by many species of wildlife, particularly turtles.

"Once balloons have been eaten they can block digestive systems and cause animals to starve.

"The string on balloons can also entangle and trap animals."

They added that if pieces of balloon were dropped directly on the ground a person could be fined for littering.

But if it flies away no-one can be fined under the current legislation - even though it has to land somewhere.

The Civil Aviation Authority and RSPCA also spoke out against the practice.

The committee was responding to a recommendation of the Whitstable area member panel.

It also considered doing nothing, and treating it as a public space protection order offence (PSPO). These are designed to stop individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour in a public space.

A report said in advance of the meeting: "Given the strong arguments from organisations such as the CAA, RSPCA and Marine Conservation Society regarding the release of helium-filled and sky lanterns... it would seem the council should not adopt a do nothing approach."

It said the use of powers such as the PSPO may be considered inappropriate as it could lead to someone releasing a sky lantern at a memorial event being fined £100.

But the move would not be the first in the country.

Worcester city council was criticised when it voted through its ban on balloons in June this year. Anyone who released them could face fines of £70.

Plymouth also introduced a ban way back in 2007.