Needham Lake bans BBQs during heatwave to reduce fire risk

Popular picnic spot Needham Lake, has banned BBQs during the heatwave, whilst other parks including Nowton Park in Bury St Edmunds, and West Stow County Park, have issued fire safety advice in recent weeks.

Ahead of the scorching weekend, signs have now been placed around the busy lake in Needham Market, saying 'no fires or BBQs'.

On Facebook, Mid Suffolk District Council, said: "To support our Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service colleagues and protect our greenspaces, we've taken the decision to temporarily ban BBQs at Needham Lake during the heatwave, to reduce the risk of fire."

They added: "We will continue to monitor the situation and provide an update once we are able to lift the ban."

The decision to ban BBQs was welcomed on the Mid Suffolk District Council and Needham Lake Facebook pages.

During the previous heatwave in July, Nowton Park urged families not to bring BBQs to the park.

Nowton Park also warned against littering, as broken glass, plastic bottles and cigarette ends, can also pose a fire risk.

West Stow Country Park, north west of Bury St Edmunds, also issued similar advice.

Last week West Suffolk Council said: "The recent heatwave has had a significant impact on the grass areas in the Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds"

They added that they were 'heeding advice to be prudent with water use'.