No BBQs reminder for Sefton beaches after toilets burnt down.

Sefton Council’s Green Sefton officers, alongside Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, are reminding beach goers that BBQs and fires are not allowed anywhere at the Sefton coast.

Last week two portaloos were burnt down at Crosby beach. It’s thought that a hot BBQ was disposed of in a wheelie bin causing the damage.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see the damage that occurred to our facilities at Crosby. Not only does this now reduce the number of toilets available for the public to use on busy days, the Council will also have to meet the costs of repairing the damage caused.

“Fires and BBQs are not permitted anywhere along the coast, be that at Crosby, Formby, Ainsdale or Southport. Not only do they pose a risk of harm to people, but fires can also devastate the rare and protected habitats we are so lucky to have here in Sefton.”

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager, Paul Kay, said:

“We would like to remind people that during periods of hot and dry weather not dissimilar to what we have experienced recently across the region, the risk of fires in public areas increase.

“Please ensure that if you are visiting the Sefton coastline, do so safely. Disposable BBQs and campfires at any of our beaches are NOT allowed anywhere on the Sefton coast, the dunes, or the woods. Please take your rubbish home with you, don’t drop cigarettes or leave bottles on the ground as these can quickly become the source of a fire. Though some fires are accidental, unfortunately, most are anti-social behaviour fires that are deliberately started, which is arson.

“If you see fire, report it immediately by calling 999, asking for the Fire Service and giving as much detail as possible including the nearest main road – this will help crews mobilise and fight fires as quick as possible, without delay.”

A number of organisations across Sefton have joined forces once again this summer to ensure local communities, and visitors from across the North West, can enjoy Sefton’s coastlines safely.

The agencies who make up the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership include Sefton Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, National Trust Formby, Natural England, the RNLI and other key partners like Merseyrail. They are sharing important messages covering many of the issues faced on the Sefton coast throughout the school summer holidays.

People can follow the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership agencies Twitter accounts for more advice, news and videos throughout the summer: @SeftonCouncil @MerseyFire @MerseyPolice @RNLI @MCA_media @BTPMersey @NaturalEngland @NTFormby @Merseyrail

The continued work of the partnership will also be communicated through the Council’s My Sefton website, Sefton Council’s Facebook page  and on Instagram Sefton_Council.