Please don’t bring barbecues to parks
With hot and sunny weather forecast for this bank holiday weekend, people flocking to the borough’s parks and commons are being reminded that they cannot bring barbecues.
It is against byelaws to light fires or barbecues in any of the borough’s parks and open spaces. People who contravene this byelaw could be prosecuted and fined.
People who use barbecues nearly always leave behind scorched patches of burned grass that take months to recover.
On other occasions people have tipped burning hot coals into litter bins and set them on fire.
Insp. Stephen Biggs of Wandsworth Parks Police said; “No one wants to be a killjoy but barbecues cause so much damage to grassed areas that there really is no alternative other than to ban them.
“People can still enjoy picnics but I’m afraid barbecues are not permitted. This important rule is there to protect our parks and to keep them looking good.
“Our local parks and commons are a great place to be when the weather is hot. We are just asking people to have consideration for other park users and to take proper care of their surroundings.
“We know our open spaces will be very busy this bank holiday weekend so we’ll be stepping up patrols to make sure this and other important byelaws are observed.”
- People are also being urged to make sure they leave no litter behind.
The council is calling on everyone who visits the borough’s parks and green spaces this weekend to make sure they bag up their rubbish and dispose of it properly, even if that means bringing it home with them.
Chief Parks officer Jerry Birtles said: “If you do bring food and drinks to enjoy in the sun, please make sure you don’t leave it for someone else to pick up.
“All rubbish should be placed in a litter bin. If the bins are full please bring it home with you and put in your own dustbin. Please don’t leave bags of rubbish out for others to clear away.
“This way we can all help to keep our open spaces clean and tidy and make sure they remain great places to visit and enjoy.”