DISPOSABLE barbecues could be banned in high-risk hotspots across Dorset this summer - with council bosses also asking shops to stop selling them.

Measures are being proposed following last year’s devastating Wareham Forest, which is believed to have been sparked by a discarded disposable barbecue.

More than 150 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze last May, which destroyed around 550 acres of heathland and cost around £80,000 of taxpayers’ money.

Dorset Council councillors are now set to meet April 6 to seek approval of the banning of disposable barbecues in high-risk fire areas.

However, concerns have been raised the council does not have sufficient powers or the budget to enforce the ban. Weymouth councillor Ryan Hope said: “A policy that has no enforcement is merely guidance.

“My concern is how much use this will be. My major concern is we’re talking about a policy but no enforcement alongside that.” The proposals put forward by the council do not recommend a blanket ban on disposable barbecues in the whole of the county, only in areas which are known to be at high risk of fire, such as in forests, grasslands and on protected heathland. The report to cabinet asks councillors to consider a range options which would form part of an overall strategy for the management of disposable barbecues.

Cllr Laura Miller, who spent much of her summer last year helping clearing up waste left behind at Lulworth, said the council was looking at a ‘huge number of options’ to help reduce fires caused by disposal barbecues. She said: “We’re doing what we can and looking at a huge number of options, which is a step in the right direction.“It’s not just about implementing penalties - we’re speaking to businesses across Dorset to get certain stores to stop selling these disposal barbecues. There is already a shop in Lulworth which has agreed to stop selling them.”

The options for recommendations include the adoption a new council ‘disposable barbecue and campfires/wildfires’ policy, an establishment of controlled gas or electric barbecue areas in high-risk locations, enhanced education and communication, and the introduction of a co-ordinated approach to banning disposable barbecues in high risk areas.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council spokesman for environment, said: “We know disposable barbecues are a real threat to our important forests and heathlands in Dorset.

“The recommendations give a good range of options for discussion.”

The council would work alongside its partners in Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Dorset Police to implement and communicate any changes.