Residents warned against barbecues in Wandsworth's commons and parks

The council has warned residents against barbecues in any of the borough's parks and commons.

With temperatures beginning to increase and Easter weekend coinciding with the relaxation of lockdown rules, the borough's green spaces have already begun to get busy.

Tooting Common saw lots of families and residents come to enjoy the sun yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 30th March).

It is against local bylaws to light fires or use barbecues in any of the borough's parks and green spaces.

The council has warned that people who do so could be fined.

Barbecues are likely to leave behind scorched patches of burned grass that reportedly takes months to recover.

On some occasions, people have tipped burning hot coals into litter bins and set them on fire.

Insp Stephen Biggs of Wandsworth Parks Police said:

"People must stick to the current Coronavirus regulations which limits people meeting outdoors to groups of no more than six.

"Some may be planning to meet up with friends to enjoy a picnic but they must remember that barbecues are not permitted.

"Barbecues cause so much damage to grassed areas that there really is no alternative other than to ban them.

"We know our green spaces are likely to be busy over the coming days and Easter weekend so we'll be stepping up patrols to make sure this and other bylaws are observed."

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