Warning over beach barbecues despite ban

Residents of a conservation area have warned about people using disposable barbecues on a nearby beach.

People living at Humberston Fitties - a village of chalets bordering the sand dunes in Cleethorpes - said the barbecues could be a big problem during the summer months.

North East Lincolnshire Council said disposable barbecues were banned on council land, including Cleethorpes beach.

A spokesperson said: "Temperatures of sand can exceed 900C underneath the barbecue. Once the barbecue is removed the sand can remain at a high temperature and cause serious injury to you or a member of the public."

Caroline Carr, who owns a chalet on the Fitties, said: "What people don't realise is when they light the disposable barbecues it creates really high temperatures which can be really dangerous and the sand becomes burning hot, somebody stands on it and they can suffer third degree burns."

She added: "It's tinder dry with the hot weather so grasslands and meadows are at high risk to wildfires.

"We have the brush and behind it we have the Fitties chalets and then the Haven caravan site with 9,000 caravans, which is a big fire risk. There's potential for it to spread to such a wide area."

Chalet owner Katie Teakle said: "The impact of them on wildlife is significant, the debris is very dangerous and is non biodegradable.

"That is one issue and the other is the heat and the flames which is contrary to a safe habitat for nature."

A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said: "In the interest of health and safety, BBQs are not permitted in or on any council owned/managed sites, including parks, open spaces and Cleethorpes - this includes the beach as well as the resort itself."

Tracey Kendall, prevention manager at Humberside Fire and Rescue said: "Disposable barbecues can be really dangerous particularly on beaches. In hot weather they can lead to grass fires and even bin fires.

She added: "We don't want to stop people having fun in the sun but we'd advise people to have a picnic instead."

Kendall said people should douse a barebcue with sand or water and allow it to completely cool before disposing of it.

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