Should barbecues be banned from the beach? Here's what our readers say 

Conservative shadow cabinet member for crime May Haines has called on BCP Council to follow the lead taken in the New Forest and make their use “illegal” along the seafront.

Here’s what our readers have said on the issue.

1. Maybe have areas/zones where you have fixed steel barbecues you can hire like they do in the USA or the Caribbean. 

2. BBQ on the beach are for idiots, everything ends up covered in sand. Plus, I go to the beach for a walk in the fresh air not to smell someone's burned sausage.

3. Totally. Ban all barbecues on the beaches, clifftops and forests. Nip it in the bud before it’s too late and more damage is done.

4. Ban this ban that let’s just live in a police state shall we. If someone is responsible for starting a fire prosecute them. Otherwise let people who can behave responsibly just live their lives!

5. Need metal bins to put waste ones in! No one would follow if it happen and then his would you fine them? It’s never done for littering etc so sadly just seams this would only affect the people who use them sensibly!

6. Personally, I think BBQ should be banned everywhere. First of all fire hazard. Secondly, left BBQ is dangerous. Thirdly, whether you are sitting on the beach or walking along the promenade, the smoke and smell of BBQ are disgusting. But that people do not get upset about ban, maybe let be designated small sections of the beach for people who want to do BBQ.

7. Ban please. No need to cook on the beach or in a nature reserve or park. Dangerous re wildfires or people or dogs stepping on them abandoned hot. You won’t starve if you have a picnic hamper. Only should be allowed if on proper camp sites with facilities!

8. Beach BBQs add a lovely atmosphere down there on summer evenings. The problem is there are no proper coal/bbq bins.

9. Maybe adopt the Spanish approach and have designated barbecue areas where people can place their barbecue. I have seen old wooden boats filled with sand being used. Then at the end of each day they are emptied by the user or by the beach cleaners when the barbecue has cooled down. At least it enables some form of control while not completely spoiling it for everyone.

10. Yup! Sadly, the majority of people who have used them over the last few weeks have proved they aren’t able to manage using and disposing of them properly. If they ban them they need the police or formal presence with the powers to stop and fine people. If they don’t ban them, then they need proper regulations around using them, proper and safe disposal areas and again wardens to police and fine anyone abusing or ignoring the regulations.

11. I dont see an issue with using disposable BBQ. The issue is with the people that use them. Banning something due to few that have few brain cells in would eventually lead to banning everything anyone can use, as everything can be misused.

12. What about the bins having caught fire due to these smouldering hazards ? What about if they're just left on the beach still hot , don't you think they would be a danger to children playing around the area ? With so much litter being left on the beaches , I don't believe that it's just a few who spoil it for others. There's more than enough idiots on beaches as proof to have these things banned!