A new front in the war against plastic is to be opened with plans to clampdown on the release of balloons.

Brighton and Hove City Council is following its bid to ban plastic bags with a new policy to dissuade charities, organisations and businesses from releasing the party accessories.

The move is revealed in a report to the council's sustainability commission which outlines the environmental damage caused by the balloons.

But although the council has the power to fine litterbugs, it said it would be concentrating on convincing organisations not to hold balloon releases.

The crackdown is also likely to feature in the council's sustainable events policy which is being drawn up to guide organisers.

Encams, formerly the Tidy Britain Group, estimates between 90 and 95 per cent of released balloons rise to an altitude of five miles where they burst into small fragments and fall to earth.

The remaining 5 to 10 per cent float back down at least partially inflated and pose a threat to animals which can mistake them for food.

But a study used by balloon manufacturers argues that the small percentage of balloons that do not burst at high altitude are unlikely to be eaten in any great quantity by one animal and that latex balloons are non toxic and biodegradable, breaking down at the same rate as oak tree leaves.

The council is particularly concerned about the impact on marine wildlife.

Several species of animal including dolphins, whales, turtles, fish and sea birds have been found dead with balloons in their stomachs.

Dr Peter Jones, a national marine environment expert, said: "These balloons can easily end up in the tropics due to sea currents, and we increasingly find turtles around our shores due to climate change.

"We know balloons kill turtles as they look like their food, jellyfish.

"This is one of the few areas in the marine environment where we have a clear cause and effect link - and the solution is simple".

A spokeswoman for the council added: "The line proposed in the balloons paper is to urge people not to do these releases and to think of alternatives.

"We have no plans at present to take action against people for littering. This would be very difficult, if not impossible, to prove practically as balloons generally land a long way from their release point.

"But we do want to dissuade people from these balloon releases because of the known impact on wildlife, especially marine wildlife, and because of our location."

Nikky West, the co-owner of Portslade-based Balloon Wise, said that most balloon releases were organised in-house and that people often did not select biodegradable balloons and used ribbons, which could be dangerous to animals.

She added: "We go for the most environmentally friendly option and we do not use ribbon.

"I would say it would be more sensible for the council to ask for biodegradable balloons and to use professional services.

"I can't say it will not have any effect on our business - two jobs a year is less business but it is not something we are too worried about."