Local MP Harriett Baldwin has pledged to keep up the pressure on Government to control the use of ‘Chinese lanterns’ which caused a serious fire at a caravan park last year. More than 80 caravans were destroyed at Croft Farm Leisure Park, near Tewksbury, after a massive blaze ripped though the park causing hundreds of thousands of pounds in damage. An investigation by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Fire Service confirmed that the fire was started by a stray Chinese lantern. Harriett has written to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs calling for the Government to act to control the use of the lanterns at public events. But Farming Minister George Eustice has confirmed that the Government will only issue guidance to event organisers on safe use of the lanterns and to run a social media campaign. Harriett commented: “The DEFRA investigation into the use of Chinese lanterns has been superceded by two major fires in the space of six months - both caused by Chinese lanterns. “I am glad that event organisers and retailers will attempt to spread the word about sensible use but in my opinion, that is not enough. “Sending a Chinese lantern into the air with no idea where it will land is like launching an unguided flame thrower into our beautiful countryside. “I intend to keep the pressure on the Government to act on this important matter and will work within Parliament to lobby for permanent measures to control these products.”