Photo by Bob Morley

Portable barbeque users in Portsmouth are being urged to act responsibly and clear away their coals after they’ve grilled their burgers and sausages this summer.

Southsea Common has become a “hot-spot” for barbeque mess and burnt grass for all the wrong reasons. The hot May weather has seen an increase in the numbers of people bringing portable barbeques onto the common and seafront to enjoy food, games and parties with friends and family.

The Safer Portsmouth Partnership does not want to stop people having fun in the sun, but wants tourists and residents to treat Southsea Common as their back garden. It is urging them to keep it clean and tidy for when they want to use it again.

Community wardens and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be patrolling the beach and common to ask people to clear up their mess and potentially fine those refusing to do so. They will also be giving out safety tips.

Discarded barbecue coals can leave heated pebbles on the beach, potentially causing burns to anyone walking on the area afterwards. They also leave scorched areas of grass on the common that take considerable time to rejuvenate.

Seamus Meyer, Parks and Recreation Manager for Portsmouth City Council, said: “We want people to enjoy their barbeques with their friends and family during this great weather. But we also want them to take responsibility for their rubbish.

Groups of friends are urged to properly cool and dispose of their coals carefully.”

The top safety tips are:

Setting up: Make sure you have a level base and help to protect the area by raising the BBQ off the grass using a stand or some bricks. Ensure your BBQ is well away from risks.

Lighting: Never use petrol. If you are using a gas BBQ and you suspect a leak, turn it off immediately.

Put it out: Use water to extinguish your barbeque. There will be water standpipes available on Southsea Common.