Warning of £400 fine for beach barbecues
PEOPLE visiting a Merseyside beach have been hit with a £400 warning. Signs have been spotted close to Formby Beach informing visitors of a £400 fine if they are spotted using a disposable barbecue.
The beach, held in the highest regard whenever the sun appears, attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Daytrippers from far and wide will be expected to flock to the beach but some might not be aware that a disposable barbecue could land them a hefty fine.
And Sefton Council has moved to remind people of the rules, in a statement they said: “Visitors are also reminded of the environmental sensitivities and how they can play their role in protecting the landscape by taking litter home.
“Fires, BBQs, balloon releases, and fireworks have a detrimental impact on Sefton’s wildlife and are not allowed anywhere at the coast. Failure to comply risks a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution.
“The range of dune habitats and rare species found along Sefton’s coast are unique and protected as a site of special scientific interest. Please do your bit to keep our natural coast clean and safe for all to enjoy.”
National Trust, which owns the site, urges visitors to take litter home or use the large car park bins.
And those coming to enjoy the area must also not bring barbecues to the beach or light fires anywhere on site.
In 2020 a little boy was left temporarily unable to walk after his foot “melted like wax” in a barbecue accident at the beach. Nine-year-old Will Tyler also needed a skin graft after he stepped on hot sand where a disposable barbecue had been.
Last year saw the council introduce strict rules around littering, fires and barbecues.
Sefton Council confirmed that a coastal and visitor area public space protection order (PSPO) was officially in place in parts of the borough in August 2022.
The PSPO has been put in place to protect the coastline and towns across Sefton, with activities covered by the new PSPO including littering and pollution, fires and BBQs, dog fouling, balloon or lantern releases, and anti-social behaviour.
You can find out more about Sefton’s coast and its important role in protecting and nurturing UK wildlife at www. sefton.gov.uk/coast