Proposals

Proposal 1: single-use, disposable barbecues The use of single-use, disposable barbecues are problematic for the environment and the council: • they pose a significant fire risk when in use and if not disposed of correctly; there have been many times when they have caused bins and the surrounding area to catch fire • they present a risk of injury to people and animals, particularly on the beach and in open spaces • if not set up correctly, they can scorch and damage the environment around them • when not disposed of it means the taxpayer has to pay for the tidy up Together, this does not only incur environmental costs, but brings additional and substantive costs to the council to clear up. It is therefore proposed that the use of single-use, disposable barbecues is not permitted in or on council-owned parks, open spaces and the seafront, and that appropriate enforcement measures are introduced. This proposal is about single-use barbecues and does not include proper, stand alone, non-disposable barbecues which can be used on certain beaches, parks and open spaces.
Proposal 2: lanterns and balloons The release of lanterns and balloons outdoors is also problematic for the council and the environment: • they are impossible to dispose of in a safe way as the owner has no way of finding it, once released; for lanterns, there is no way of ensuring it is extinguished before reaching the ground • both return to the ground as litter and can be ingested by animals, birds and marine wildlife, causing risk of death, injury and entrapment Again, these do not only incur environmental costs, but brings additional and substantive costs to the council to clear up. It is therefore proposed that the release of lanterns and balloons is not permitted in or on council-owned parks, open spaces and the seafront, and that appropriate enforcement measures are introduced.
Enforcement It is proposed that Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are introduced to prohibit the use of single use-disposal barbecues and the release of lanterns and balloons in or on council-owned parks, open spaces and the seafront. PSPOs are designed to counter unreasonable and persistent behaviour that affects the quality of life of residents. With a PSPO in place, the council would be able to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice for anyone found breaching it.