Co-op to stop selling disposable BBQs in North York Moors
The shop's removing them from shops in and around all National Parks
The Co-op has announced it will stop selling instant BBQs from all its shops in and around the UK's National Parks.
The retailer says the move, which also applies within a mile radius of any national park, is designed to help prevent wildfires.
It will also support National Park authorities and land-owners who have put bans in place for disposable BBQs.
Adele Balmforth, Buying Director at Co-op said: "Whilst the majority of consumers use, extinguish, and dispose of instant BBQs safely, and we continue to sell many of them from our stores across the UK, we respect that local decisions to protect the parkland have to be made."
"Put me out"
Co-op says this announcement is part of a campaign, 'Put Me Out', about BBQ safety.
The campaign is being run in conjunction with the National Fire Chiefs' Council, and encourages customers to only use instant BBQs where it is safe and legal.
Fire bosses say instant devices can often lead to wildfires and large-scale incidents.
Paul Hedley, National Fire Chiefs Council lead for wildfires, said: "We support Co-op’s move – adding clear warnings along with simple messaging on how to dispose of these barbecues is an effective way to prevent fires.
"Most people manage to enjoy instant barbecues with no issues but the worrying upward trend in wildfires caused by these devices, cannot be ignored and action has to be taken."
The new rules apply to 130 stores across the UK.