Essex council reminds residents of BBQ ban in parks
Basildon is home to four country parks and ten local nature reserves
With temperatures set to soar again at the weekend, Basildon Council is reminding residents that barbecues are banned in any of the parks across the borough.
Basildon is home to over 1,300 hectares of open space, including four country parks and ten local nature reserves.
However, local bylaws prohibit the use of barbecues in any of the parks and green spaces, unless agreed by the Council.
The reminder comes after a spate of field fires attended by Essex Fire and Rescue, amid what the Met Office has called the hottest June in the UK since records began.
The Council is also urging park users to put their rubbish in the bin or take their waste home with them.
Councillor Jack Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport, Children and Young People, said: “We’re really fortunate to have so much green space in our borough, which offers a great place for friends and families to get out and enjoy nature.
"We don’t want to stop people having fun in the sun, but this is about keeping people safe and supporting our colleagues at Essex Fire and Rescue who see an increase in calls to field fires during the hot weather.”
Weather forecasts show the UK is set to be hit by another heatwave, with temperatures reaching 31C.
Cllr Ferguson added: “We’re also reminding residents to get rid of their litter responsibly – especially glass bottles, which can lead to wildfires – by either using the bins provided or taking their rubbish home. Let’s keep our parks tidy for everyone to enjoy.”
To gain permission to host a barbecue in the parks in Basildon, an event application must be completed with a site plan and risk assessment.
Applications can be requested from the council.