Published Article

HeadlineHackney Council to ban use of disposable barbecues to tackle waste left behind

Short HeadlineDisposable barbecues face ban in Hackney

StandfirstLocals would be able to bring a reusable barbecue and use it in a specially designated area.

The ban on disposable barbecues partly aims to tackle the large amount of waste left in the park.

Visitors can still use barbecues, so long as they are reusable. This measure is to minimise damage done to the grass in the park by the disposable containers placed on the ground.

Hackney Council – bricks for disposable barbecues

In the past, Hackney Council have been handing out bricks to raise the disposable barbecues off the grass.

However, many ignored this measure, forcing the Council to take action to reduce the impact on the park.

Barbecues in London Fields have become popular since the designated barbecues area was introduced in 2011.

The penalties

There are no serious consequences if individuals choose to continue using disposable barbecues after the ban is in effect.

Cllr Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Transport and Parks said: “Signs and banners will be placed around the park to inform visitors about the new rules.

Enforcement Officers from the Council will be patrolling the park on the weekends. They will be reminding people of the rules and taking away disposable barbecues from those who don’t comply.”

Some local residents agree with the councils decision. They also feel that saving the green space is far more important.

Most people in Hackney live in flats without gardens, so the barbecue space in London Fields park is great for community get-togethers.

London Fields is currently the only park in Hackney that permits barbecues. But we found some other London parks were you can still get your sausages sizzling.