Plans to tackle portable BBQ problem at lake

Fylde Council is considering a dedicated barbecue area as a solution to increasing problems caused by visitors to Fairhaven Lake.
Some of the recent damage at Fairhaven LakeSome of the recent damage at Fairhaven Lake
Some of the recent damage at Fairhaven Lake

Following a spate of scorched grass and damage to outdoor furniture, a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is being considered to guard against problems caused by portable barbecues.

The order, which could cover other key beauty spots around Fylde, is due to be discussed by members of the council’s tourism and leisure committee next month.

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A bespoke area available for visitors to the lake to use to barbecue food – a popular feature at locations across Europe and already thought to be available in some parts of the UK – is also being considered as a solution to the problem.

St Annes town mayor Coun Cheryl LittleSt Annes town mayor Coun Cheryl Little
St Annes town mayor Coun Cheryl Little

Chairman Coun Cheryl Little said: “Fylde openly welcomes visitors to enjoy Fairhaven Lake but we need to alleviate the damage and costs to the council to continually repair, as well as the effect this could be having on the local wildlife.

“At the next tourism and leisure committee on June 22, we will be initiating a working group of elected members to look at the option of introducing a PSPO, as has been done recently with dog control in the area. But a dedicated barbecue area, well signposted and easily accessible from the car parks, is an additional option and we are looking at it.”

She said it is important something is done to ‘ensure our gems such as Fairhaven Lake can continue to be enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year’.

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Alan Pedder, chairman of the Friends of Fairhaven Lake, said: “In the recent very good weather, there has been a spate of incidents which have been very frustrating, with benches, tables and other grass having been damaged by portable barbecue use.

“Such dedicated areas are a good idea and anything that can be done to solve this problem would be very welcome.”