Chinese lanterns face Birmingham parks ban

The fire on 30 June involved 100,000 tonnes of plastic

Chinese lanterns could be banned from parks in Birmingham under plans being discussed.

It follows a fire at a waste recycling plant in Smethwick in June, thought to have been caused by a lantern.

About 200 firefighters tackled the blaze, described by crews as the largest ever seen in the West Midlands.

The city council said it would investigate banning the lanterns from local parks, as well as lobby the government for a more widespread ban.

Proposals are expected to go before the local authority's regulatory services committee at a date yet to be decided.

West Midlands Fire Service has called for stricter guidelines and the introduction of licensing for the use of Chinese lanterns.