The war against plastic is to be stepped up with plans to clamp down 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 was revealed in a report to the council's sustainability commission, which outlines the environmental damage caused by the balloons.

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 five to ten per cent float back down partially inflated and pose a threat to animals, which can mistake them for food.

But a study used by balloon manufacturers argues the small percentage of balloons that do not burst at high altitude are unlikely to be eaten in any great quantity by one animal.

The study also claims latex balloons are biodegradable and non-toxic, breaking down at the same rate as oak tree leaves.

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

Several species of animal, including dolphins, whales, fish, turtles 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. We increasingly find turtles around our shores due to climate change.

"We know balloons kill turtles because 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.

"We have no plans at present to take action against people for littering.

"But we do want to dissuade people from releasing balloons because of the known impact on wildlife."

According to Nikky West, coowner of Portslade-based Balloon Wise, most balloon releases are organised in-house, with people often choosing non-biodegradable balloons and ribbons for their events.

She said: "We go for the most environmentally friendly option and we do not use ribbon because it can also harm animals.

"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."