Can you have a barbie in the park?

IT’S that time of year.

There’s been a flicker of sunshine so disposable barbecues and bags of charcoal are piled up outside petrol stations as the North East gets its grill on.

The scent of charred food and smoke is as much a part of summer as beer gardens and brief interests in tennis.

With a plethora of scenic parks and breathtaking beaches, it’s no surprise many of us opt to pick up a throwaway barbecue, gather our pals and head to the nearest beauty spot.

But there are rules about where you can and can’t light up the BBQ.

COUNTY DURHAM

The council discourages using BBQs in public spaces, but has issued guidelines for anyone who uses one.

Nigel Dodds, the council’s strategic manager for culture and sport, said: “Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat.

“Many of these fires are started deliberately but by following a few simple precautions and showing a little extra care, many others could be prevented.

“At this time of year ground vegetation is very dry and combustible. To avoid injuries or damage to vegetation and wildlife please follow these simple precautions: Never leave the BBQ unattended Ensure the BBQ is on a flat site, well away from any structures, trees or shrubs

It is imperative that BBQs are placed above the ground, on an even surface on either bricks or paving slabs. This will prevent any damage to the grass under the BBQ.

Do not use disposable barbecues near or on public benches, unless the benches have a metal plate built into them, but always place on metal stand that are supplied with the BBQ.

If you’re using a disposable BBQ ensure it has cooled before putting it in the bin. To avoid starting a fire you should allow it to cool for several hours and then consider pouring water over it to make sure it’s out. Please don’t just tip the ashes on to the grass or into hedgerows.

Please dispose of all other rubbish in bins on site and if none are available, take your rubbish home.

Mr Dodds added: “There are some restrictions on where you may use a BBQ, so please read local signs, or check before lighting.

“If fire breaks out, call the fire and rescue service immediately on 999 or 112. When specifying your location, mention any landmarks – perhaps a church or pub – and if phoning from a phone box, stay nearby so you can direct the fire appliances to the scene.

“Don’t attempt to fight the fire yourself unless it is very small – grass and crop fires can travel very quickly.”

GATESHEAD

Gateshead Council has not issued advice on using barbecues in its parks.

NEWCASTLE

We asked Newcastle City Council what its policies for barbecues in public spaces are. The council advises against taking barbecues to its parks and recommends picnics instead.

But if you do insist, make sure you take care not to singe the grass or burn the table you place the barbecue on.

A spokesperson said: “The guidance includes advising all park users to ensure their temporary BBQs are fully extinguished. The city’s parks are very popular during the warm weather and bins can fill up quickly. We would urge everyone to take their excess

rubbish away with them, when the community park bins are full; and in the area of public interest please avoid putting bagged up waste at the side of the bins.”

NORTH TYNESIDE

Beaches: Visitors can use disposable BBQs but must not leave them on the beach.

Park: The Rising Sun Country Park, in Benton, has a designated barbecue area for visitors.

You can use disposable barbecues, but make sure you take it and any litter home with you.

Disposable barbecues can be used on North Tyneside’s beaches, but you must take them home with you.

NORTHUMBERLAND

Northumberland County Council has advice on using barbecues. It reads: Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from buildings, trees, shrubs, dry grass areas or dunes.

Do not place your BBQ on a picnic table, unless there is a special facility for this.

Keep children, games and pets well away from the cooking area. Never leave the barbecue unattended Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies

Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move or dispose of it.

Please ensure that you always tidy up after your BBQ and place all waste in a bin, or take it home with you.

BEACHES

You can use disposable barbecues on Blyth, Seaton Sluice and Seahouses beaches but DON’T light fires or barbecues on the dunes.

There is a permit system in place for large, organised beach barbecues. Call the coastal warden on 01670 797323.

BOLAM LAKE COUNTRY PARK, BELSAY

A picturesque park in the Northumbrian countryside with a lake, woodland and open grassed area.

There are tables in the picnic area. BBQs are allowed but visitors must take them home and take care not to scorch the grass. Put a stand or some stones underneath the barbecue.

PLESSEY WOODS, BEDLINGTON.

Barbecues can be lit in picnic areas, but visitors have to take the remains home with them. Again, be careful where you light the barbecue, don’t scorch the grass or picnic tables.

TYNE GREEN COUNTRY PARK, HEXHAM

Hexham’s picturesque 19-hectare site has concrete areas ideal for setting up barbecues. There is a free car park and public toilets on site.

SUNDERLAND

Sunderland City Council has not issued guidance on barbecues in parks, but it does have advice for using them on its beaches.

“Barbecues are permitted but should be kept under close control and disposed of responsibly.”