A sky lanterns ban has been passed by Shropshire councillors.

Councillor Dan Morris, who represents Burnell, put forward the motion at Thursday's meeting.

He said he was “delighted” that it had been passed unanimously.

Cllr Morris had called for the unitary authority to ban the use of sky lanterns – also known as Chinese lanterns – from any council-owned or managed premises and property because they are a fire hazard and also endanger the lives of farm animals and wildlife.

But he also went further and called on the council to urge Parliament to create a nationwide ban.

He said today (Friday, July 27) that he and Shropshire Council leader Peter Nutting would be writing to the Government and the local MP Daniel Kawczynski on behalf of the council to inform them of the vote.

Cllr Morris continued: “I am delighted that all members, whatever their political party, recognised these devices are a menace, a fire hazard and a danger to animals and potentially put pressure on our emergency services.

“They are a blight on the countryside.

“We are one of the biggest councils in the country in terms of land mass and I am sure people will be pleased that we are sending a strong signal that we want the Government to bring in legislation to make this a national ban.”

Cllr Morris, who is a farmer, said although he hadn’t personally been affected by sky lanterns, there have been numerous incidents in the region.

He continued: “It isn’t on a daily basis but it is an issue and although Shropshire Council doesn’t own all the land in the county we do have a responsibility and are sending out a strong message.

Cllr Morris received multiple supporters in the council chamber, as well as the National Farmers’ Union, and the RSPCA ahead of the meeting.

He told members that 55 authorities in England had introduced similar bans, plus 18 in Scotland and 22 in Wales.

Labour councillor for Sundorne, Kevin Pardy, said the sky lanterns are a “nuisance”, while Cllr David Turner, Conservative member for Much Wenlock, described them as “a menace”.

Cllr Turner continued: “These lanterns are a danger to property, lives and livestock.

“We must use all our efforts to stop them.”

He also noted a fire started by a sky lantern at a recycling plant in Smethwick in 2013 which caused millions of pounds of damage.

Ahead of the meeting Cllr Lezley Picton took to social media to voice her support, adding: “Should have been done ages ago.”