Trafford retailers have been called on to help prevent further wildfires by removing disposable barbecues from sale.
Disposable barbecues have been temporarily banned from sale over fears they pose a significant risk to the public following the extreme summer weather.
Trafford Council’s Trading Standards team are urging retailers to follow best practice, and adhere to the statutory guidelines which are requiring them to withdraw the products from sale.
Cllr Keleigh Glenton, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, said:
“We’ve already had big moorland fires in north Wales, the Peak District and the Pennines and we’ve had to ban the use of disposable barbecues at Sale Water Park.
“The weather has cooled down a bit and rain has finally arrived – but the risk of fire remains high. The ground is still extremely dry and can catch fire easily, while wind helps fires to spread.
“Using disposable barbecues during this time therefore still poses an unacceptable risk to the safety and health of the public because the barbecues cannot be considered a safe product.
“What’s important is that local retailers stop selling disposable barbecues for the time being, whether that is in shops or online. I would urge retailers to work with our Trading Standards team to make sure the public and our wildlife are kept safe.”
Trading Standards have the responsibility of enforcing the ban on disposable barbecues. If retailers refuse to comply with Trading Standards, they could have their goods seized, be prosecuted and the person responsible could be fined or even imprisoned.
If Trafford retailers need more information on the ban, they can contact Trading Standards through an online form.