A CAMPAIGN has been launched asking shops across Dorset to remove disposable barbecues from their shelves this year.

Following last year’s #BBQsBurnMoreThanBangers campaign, Litter Free Dorset has launched the new #ChooseToRemoveDisposableBBQs campaign.

In the UK last year, over one million disposable barbecues were sold, and in May 2020, it only took a couple of barbecues to burn down an area the size of over 200 football pitches in Wareham Forest.

According to Litter Free Dorset, in the county, we average 400 outdoor grass related fires on heathlands and forests every year.

Fires on heathland destroys wildlife, are a risk to the surrounding community and contribute to climate change.

Sophie Colley from Litter Free Dorset said: "A huge thank you goes to the businesses that have already taken it upon themselves to stop selling disposable barbecues altogether. If you are still selling disposable barbecues please reconsider removing them and displaying safety messaging next to any other barbecue related items."

This year, Dorset Council is banning disposable barbecues and campfires from high fire risk areas across Dorset.

A joint campaign with other local authorities, organisations and landowners is being developed to communicate to visitors and residents where they are not allowed to have barbecues and campfires this summer.

Litter Free Dorset is working with a large number local communities and businesses to ensure the success of this campaign, and they have already had conversations with local shops as well as large supermarket chains such as Tesco’s, Coop, Waitrose and Sainsbury's.