NEWPORT City Council could become the last council in Gwent to ban sky lanterns next week.

The motion to ban them, proposed by Councillor Matthew Evans, will be discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday.

Cllr Evans said: “I am the first to admit they look lovely, but I think most people are unaware of the dangers they suppose – I had never really thought of the consequences of using them.

“They are a fire hazard. They are a concern for animal welfare as well, as animals can get caught on them and lead to a long, painful death.”

Cllr Evans said a number of organisations, such as the RSPCA, oppose them and some countries have tried to ban them, including Australia.

“The vast majority of councils in Wales have already banned them,” he said. “It is not about being a kill joy, there are other alternatives we can use.

“If people knew the damage they cause, they would think twice about using them.”

He said he is hoping the motion will get cross party support as it has been seconded by Kevin Whitehead, the leader of Newport Independents’ Party.

With Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire now banning sky lanterns, Newport City Council is the only local authority in Gwent which allows their use.

Under the proposed motion, the release of these lanterns would not be permitted on land owned by Newport City Council or permitted at events licensed, sponsored or supported by Newport City Council.

The council should discourage organisations within the Newport area from releasing sky lanterns and look for more appropriate alternatives, it says.

RSPCA Cymru’s public affairs manager, Paul Smith, said: “RSPCA Cymru is pleased to hear that Newport City Council is going to consider a motion to ban sky lantern releases from their land.

“Newport is surrounded by counties that have already banned the use of sky lanterns - and really sticks out like a sore thumb at the moment - so we urge the council to take this motion seriously and deliver an important message for animal welfare by joining neighbouring councils in bringing in a ban.

“Sky lanterns pose clear danger to animals. They may look pretty - but they’re also pretty dangerous.”