COUNCIL chiefs have intervened in two outdoor events in Worcester involving balloon releases using their new controversial crackdown powers, it has emerged.

Worcester City Council says the intervention shows it is taking concerns over the environment seriously, calling helium "precious".

Back in June the city's Labour leadership decided to class the release of balloons and sky lanterns into the open air as "littering", banning it on environmental grounds.

The move attracted national media attention but since then bosses say the ruling has been enforced twice, although the details of each event have not been revealed.

In both cases the groups affected by it agreed to toe the line, rather than face the prospect of a £70 fine or even prosecution.

The action was revealed during a debate at a full council meeting, where the opposition Conservative group suggested Labour was not taking its own policy seriously.

The council's own St Martin's Gate car park carries adverts for a company selling helium-filled balloons, despite the crackdown.

Conservative Councillor Andy Roberts said: "At its first meeting (since taking power) some four months ago, the cabinet decided to introduce its 'balloon and sky lantern policy'.

"(Councillor Jabba Riaz, the cabinet member responsible) presented that report which recognised the potential for environmental damage and talked of discouraging the practice in general.

"He no doubt also realised that helium is a precious and limited resource, and of key importance for superconducting magnets and used in MRI scanners.

"Can he tell the council to what extend the words have been converted into actions?"

Councillor Riaz told the chamber the legislation has been used twice so far, with council staff intervening.

He also said the council's application form for outdoor events has been updated to make specific mention of the policy, warning people about the crackdown.

He added: "Helium is a precious gas and prices have been rocketing in recent years."

Back in June the council said it was responding to concern about balloons and sky lanterns littering the landscape and damaging the environment.

The policy attracted national media attention, with the council coming under flak from the European Balloon & Party Council for its crackdown.

But the Marine Conservation Society leapt to the council's aid by calling some of the criticism from pressure groups "disingenuous".