Council urges caution as government moves to stop sales
Stockport Council has backed the UK government's temporary restriction on the sale of disposable barbecues, saying the move will help reduce the risk of wildfires during an extended period of hot and dry weather.
The national measure, announced on Friday 14 August, applies to retailers and online sellers across the UK. The council said it had already asked local businesses to remove disposable barbecues from sale and reiterated that such items have long been banned for use in the borough's parks and open spaces.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Public Protection, Cllr Dan Oliver, welcomed the government decision and said action was necessary following a series of significant wildfires around the country.
"We welcome the government's decision to introduce a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues during this period of extreme weather. The recent wildfires seen across the country have highlighted how quickly fires can spread in hot, dry conditions and the devastating impact they can have on communities, wildlife and the environment."
The council underlined that protections for parks and green spaces are a priority. It reminded residents that the following are not permitted in Stockport's parks and open spaces:
- Disposable barbecues
- Fire pits and open flames
- Fireworks and sky lanterns
Practical advice for residents
Alongside welcoming the ban, the council set out steps people should take to reduce the risk of accidental fires while enjoying outdoor spaces. The guidance emphasises responsible behaviour and quick reporting of any signs of fire.
| What to avoid | What to do |
|---|---|
| Leaving glass bottles, disposable barbecues or other flammable litter | Dispose of litter responsibly and take all items home |
| Smoking carelessly in parks or leaving smoking materials unattended | Take care when smoking outdoors and extinguish cigarettes fully |
| Leaving small fires or unattended flames | Never use fire pits or open flames on council-managed green spaces |
The council also reminded residents to report any sign of a fire immediately by calling 999. It said it would continue to work with emergency services and neighbouring authorities to manage and reduce wildfire risk in the area.
Local context and consequences
Stockport's parks and green spaces are widely used across the borough for family outings, sports and community events. The council framed the ban and its existing local rules as measures to protect those spaces and limit harm to wildlife and property.
The temporary sales ban is aimed at preventing disposable barbecues — often portable and cheap — from being used irresponsibly in dry conditions where embers can spark grass and woodland fires. While the government order affects retail and online sales across the UK, enforcement on public land in Stockport remains the council's responsibility.
For businesses in the town, the council's earlier request to withdraw disposable barbecues from sale means retailers have been given a clear steer ahead of the government announcement. The council is urging local traders to comply promptly and to help spread the safety message.
What residents should take away
- Stockport Council supports the temporary national ban on disposable barbecues and has asked local businesses to stop selling them.
- Disposable barbecues, fire pits, fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted in the borough's parks and open spaces.
- Anyone spotting a fire should call 999 immediately and take care to dispose of litter and smoking materials responsibly.
The council said it will keep guidance under review as weather conditions change and work with partners to protect Stockport's green assets.
