Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Crackdown could see barbecues banned from beaches and parks
Beach barbecues could soon be history as the council considers banning people from lighting up in public beauty spots.
The controversial proposal is one of many on the table as the authority looks to crack down on nuisance behaviour which “makes people’s lives a misery”. If passed, it would mean a ban on barbecues and glass bottles on beaches in Herne Bay and Whitstable, as well as in parks such as Canterbury’s Dane John and Westgate Gardens. Those who ignore the rules enforced through Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOS) would face on-the-spot fines. A consultation is now taking place to gauge public opinion on the proposals, which were unveiled amid growing concerns over the amount of litter piling up on local beaches. Whitstable councillor Ashley Clark - one of the driving forces behind the plans - says the use of bottles and barbecues has longcaused misery.
“This behaviour is wrecking our district for the people who live here and we need to nip it in the bud,” he said. “People are totally fed up with this sort of thing. Barbecues are problematic as they are just left discarded and people and pets can tread on them. “They’ve damaged groynes at the beach, and benches and bins in parks have been destroyed by idiots who have left them there. “They are a nuisance and we need to be able control how they can be used.”
The PSPO proposals were put to consultation on Friday and will be decided upon later in the year.
“It’s all about balance,” Cllr Clark said. “We want people to enjoy themselves but in a responsible way.
“It might not necessarily be a blanket ban across all beaches and open spaces, as we need to be sensible. We want to know what the public think. “There are many alternatives to taking glass onto the beach - drink can be decanted into something else. No one wants to stop people having fun but glass bottles have been chucked on beaches for years and it needs to end.”
If the bans are rubber-stamped, the PSPOS give police and enforcement officers powers to dish out on-the-spot fixed penalty notices to those breaking the rules.
Council leader Rob Thomas said: “PSPOS can be a valuable tool in our fight against nuisance behaviour which can make people who suffer from its effects absolutely miserable or simply furious because they end up spending the time and effort clearing after someone else’s excess and selfishness. “They can also help us to protect the wildlife that lives its life on our land, like ducks living on the river in the Westgate Gardens, from people using catapults.
“We have a completely open mind on whether we need to extend the scope of our PSPOS or pare them back and, if councillors agree to this consultation, we genuinely want to hear what people think.
“Of course, there may also be problems we have not addressed and we want to hear about those too.”
The council is also considering introducing other measures to be covered by PSPOS. These include banning nitrous oxide canisters from council-controlled land, flying a drone near a beach or park unless qualified, taking an air weapon or catapult to a park, and attempting to trap or snare wildlife.
People can comment on the consultation at canterbury.gov. uk before August 30.
A Gazette poll has revealed two
Sin three people back the ban on barbecues.
Of 872 readers who took part in the online vote, 67% agreed there should be an end to people lighting up in parks and on beaches.
■ What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk.