Walsall Council Trading Standards officers have seized 86 disposable barbecues from seven stores across the borough after the Government introduced a temporary UK-wide ban on their sale and supply. The enforcement action followed visits to more than 50 traders in the days after the ban was announced via an emergency alert on Friday, August 14.
Seven stores found still stocking disposable BBQs
Trading Standards teams visited traders in Bloxwich, Brownhills, Walsall town centre, Pleck, Pelsall and Willenhall to provide advice and check compliance with the new statutory guidelines. The Government imposed the immediate temporary restrictions on August 14 in response to what it described as an exceptional wildfire risk caused by the ongoing drought and heatwave conditions.
Seven traders were found to still have disposable BBQs available for sale and were advised to remove them immediately. A total of 86 disposable BBQs were removed from sale during the enforcement visits. The statutory guidelines mean retailers should not make disposable BBQs available for sale, either in shops or online.
Council urges caution amid wildfire risk
Cllr Ian Benton, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene and Enforcement at Walsall Council, said: "It is encouraging that most traders had already stopped selling disposable BBQs, but where they remained available, officers acted immediately to ensure they were removed from sale."
He added: "The current conditions mean that a small fire can spread quickly, particularly in dry grass and vegetation. We are asking residents to take care when enjoying our parks and open spaces and to avoid anything that could start a fire."
A spokesperson for Walsall Council confirmed that most of the traders visited had already stopped selling disposable BBQs, following the introduction of the temporary measures. The action comes as Walsall, like other parts of the country, has experienced a number of fires during the current period of hot, dry weather, including incidents in Willenhall, Brownhills, Aldridge and Pleck.
Barbecues banned in all council parks and green spaces
The council has emphasised that barbecues are strictly prohibited in all Walsall Council parks and green spaces. Residents are also being asked to help reduce the risk of wildfires by not lighting fires, bonfires or campfires, disposing of cigarette ends safely and never throwing them on the ground or from vehicles, taking care when using BBQs on private land and following current Government guidance, and taking all waste home or disposing of it appropriately.
"Dry grass and vegetation can catch fire quickly, putting people, wildlife and the environment at risk," the spokesperson added. The Government guidance is temporary and will be kept under review as drought, heatwave and wildfire risks change. Traders are advised to check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.
