THERE will be celebrations across Hampshire as people see in the New Year.

But Hampshire County Council is urging revellers not to think twice about lighting sky lanterns.

The warning comes after the council received public support for the ban to protect land and properties, with many people concerned the Chinese lanterns could also affect animals and the environment, according to council leader Roy Perry.

Lanterns are used for various celebrations, with people lighting a short fuse inside a balloon of tissue paper to then release and watch float up into the sky, but they have been banned in Hampshire council-owned properties since September.

Councillor Perry said: “We've had concerns about the safety of sky lanterns and the potential damage they can cause for some time. They are a potential hazard to air traffic, coastal shipping and consumer safety so we've also urged others to consider imposing a similar ban relating to events and activities in their grounds and premises.

“There are many other less hazardous ways to mark this special occasion that don't present such risks so I would ask people to think twice."