The Conservative Government has said it has no plans to restrict the sale of disposable barbecues, despite 26,535 people petitioning it to introduce a ban on their sale in response to wildfires that have devastated Saddleworth Moor and many other sites across the UK.

Oldham Council has already introduced protection orders banning the use of these barbecues in Saddleworth, Shaw and Crompton, the only practical suggestion to help prevent the risk of wildfires contained in the Government response.

Saddleworth West and Lees Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “The damage caused by the careless use of these fires is all too easy to see. Saddleworth Moor has an international status as part of a Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation, and this is a real threat. The damage caused to the landscape and the wildlife is immense – with 7cm of peat being lost in previous fires, as well as countless birds and animals being killed.

“We still see people recklessly using these barbecues – and more generally failing to take care of one of the most beautiful and environmentally important parts of the country, which we are fortunate enough to have on our doorstep. Action must be taken.”

The Government’s response did say that it would continue to ‘gather intelligence on the issues raised’, to assess the safety risks presented.

Local campaigner Michael Powell added: “I don’t think anyone would dispute that this Conservative Government does need more intelligence.

“The wildfires we have had have caused so much damage, and have put people’s lives and properties at risk. As well as the harm to area, the smoke from the fires was a substantial problem for people’s health. They can’t just keep batting away these problems.”

The Government’s response to the petition was published at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/618664