BCP COUNCIL have installed yet more beachside provisions by unveiling their new electric barbecues along Bournemouth and Poole’s seafront.

Thirty free-to-use barbecues are to being installed at locations along the waterfront including Fisherman’s Walk, Branksome Chine and close to Bournemouth Pier.

It is hoped that the fixed electric barbecues will help to reduce the use of disposable alternatives that are often left in the beach, impacting the environment and posing a risk when left under the surface of the sand.

BCP Council leader Cllr Drew Mellor said: “We want to provide more amenities on the beach so that residents and visitors to the area can enjoy the beach safely.

“It shouldn’t just be beach hut owners who can have barbecues on the promenade next to the beach, these are open to everyone.

“We have seen them work very well in Australia and we feel it is a real investment for the conurbation.”

The electric barbecues are being installed as part of BCP Council’s summer readiness plans, which aim to support visitors spending time at the seafront.

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Once installation is complete, they will be available for use on a first come, first served basis.

There are plans for six barbecues to be installed as a trial over the next couple of weeks, at Fisherman’s Walk and Branksome Chine followed by four barbecues at Bournemouth, just to the East of Bournemouth Pier.

Cllr Mellor added: “People can rock up, turn it on, do their cooking, all in 20 minutes and then they will turn off automatically.

“We ask people to clean them afterwards, but our seafront officers will also check them as part of their patrols

“We obviously hope that they do not get vandalised but to minimise this, there is CCTV in operation at these locations and we will have council officers, security and seafront officers patrolling these areas.”

Although the council hope that the facilities will be well-used in the summer, people will be able to use the barbecues all year round.

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The new barbecues will be made of corrosion resistant, low maintenance stainless steel and will be turned on and off automatically on a pretimed basis to support safety and energy-efficiency.

Disposable barbecues are still permitted between 6pm and 10.30pm on the beach. However, people are asked to dispose of them safely and responsibly.

Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Mohan Iyengar has said: “Communal barbecues have worked successfully in other resorts and we’re glad to introduce them here.

“They’re a free-to-use alternative to disposal barbecues.

“To the extent they’re taken up, we’ll reduce litter, injuries, water pollution and fire hazards on the beach – helping everyone enjoy a safer and more relaxing stay in our resort.”