Barbecues, fireworks and camping stoves set to be banned on moorland around Bolton

Barbecues, fireworks and airborne lanterns could be banned from moorland surrounding Bolton under new laws sought by the council to avoid anothe catastrophic blaze. Bolton Council’s plan, designed to reduce the risk of devastating wildfires, would create a public spaces protection order covering public moorland areas of the borough.

Anyone found using the prohibited items, which would also include camp fires and camping stoves, would face a fine of up £1,000. If approved the restrictions would only apply to land to which the public have access.

The council is now launching a consultation so that people can give their views on the plan. Details are available on the council website, along with a map of the area that the proposals would cover.

READ MORE : Council backs 'principle' of selling fields to developer - despite turning down interest from resident

Bolton Council is coordinating with neighbouring councils in Chorley and Blackburn with Darwen, which are responsible for adjoining areas of moorland. Wildfires happen regularly on moorland in the Pennines, including the Winter Hill fire in the summer of 2018 which burned for over a month.

Most are caused by human activity. BBQs, camp fires, fireworks, Chinese lanterns, discarded cigarettes and broken glass, which can act like a magnifying glass are some of the leading causes.

Wildfires can tie up huge resources for days at a time. At the height of the moorland fires in 2018, 220 firefighters, 100 soldiers, 57 fire engines and a helicopter were in operation across the region.

The consultation is open to everyone and the council wants to hear from as many people as possible. In particular, people who live on or near the moors, local businesses and organisations and people