The Fylde borough has seen an influx of visitors to its parks, beaches and open spaces due to the recent relaxation in the lock down measures, as well as the exceptionally good weather the UK is currently experiencing.
Many of these visitors are bringing BBQs, however the Council would like to remind everyone that a Public Spaces Protection Order which bans BBQs and open fires was brought into effect on 1st July 2019.
The orders prohibit BBQs and outdoor cooking on a number of the borough’s open spaces; a full list of which can be found on the website www.fylde.gov.uk/bbqs
In response to receiving a number of complaints over the years, councillors at the Tourism and Leisure Committee on 14th March 2019 agreed to introduce a PSPO to prohibit BBQ’s and outdoor cooking following a public consultation.
In the past damage has been caused to park furniture and grassed areas as a result of BBQs and outdoor cooking, with the Fire Brigade having to attend a large fire on Lytham Green in summer 2018 which was caused by a disposable BBQ.
Damage has also been caused in and around Fairhaven Lake, and the Fylde Sand Dunes Local Nature Reserve/ Site of Special Scientific Interest. The complaints also included nuisance, noise, disturbance and safety risks associated with such activities, as well as an increase in the amount of litter that is left behind.
Chair of the Tourism and Leisure Committee Councillor Cheryl Little said: “We understand the temptation to use our beaches and our beautiful green spaces for barbeques, but hot coals and dry grass just does not mix! During the recent hot weather the grasses on our beaches, our dunes and in our parks is like tinder.”
“No-one ever believes it’ll be their barbeque that causes a fire, but fires can start easily and rapidly get out of control as we have heard in Lancashire.”
“Fires quickly become very dangerous, and are a risk to residents, visitors and wildlife. We ask everyone to respect the ban on barbeques, to keep visitors safe, protect wildlife and our environment.”
“Also, worryingly we do get BBQs put into bins when still alight, which is costly; recently there was a bin fire outside the RNLI – disturbingly a car was parked next to the bin and I have no doubt it would have caught fire if this had gone unnoticed and unreported.”
Failure to comply with the orders will result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £50 or you could be prosecuted in the magistrates’ court for a criminal offence and be fined up to £1,000. A security contractor will be on patrol within these areas to ensure compliance.
