Extending the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for disposable barbecues, balloons and lanterns

We introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in 2022 to stop the use of single-use disposable barbecues and the release of lanterns and balloons in parks, open spaces and the seafront.

The PSPO expires in August so we want to know if you think we should extend it.

Anyone found breaking the PSPO has been fined £100. We also want to know if you think the fines should be different for using single-use barbecues and releasing balloons or lanterns.

Single-use disposable barbecues

Using single-use barbecues causes a lot of problems for both the environment and the council. They can:

• start fires if not thrown away properly
• injure people and animals when left in beaches, parks and open spaces
• burn and damage the ground if not set up properly
• be costly to clean up and dispose of when they’re left behind

Lanterns and balloons

Releasing lanterns and balloons causes serious problems for both the environment and the council.

Once they’re in the air, there's no way to safely get them back. There’s also no guarantee the flame in lanterns goes out before landing.

They often fall back to the ground as litter, where animals, birds, or marine life can eat or get trapped by them, which can lead to injury or even death.

Like single-use barbecues, they’re not just bad for nature, they also cost the council extra money to clean up.

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