A fire at a Swindon country park in the early hours of this morning has resulted in damage to picnic tables, benches and fencing.
Swindon Borough Council said the blaze at Coate Water is believed to have been started by the use of disposable barbecues, which had been left behind overnight.
Fire crews attended the scene after the fire took hold near the lake – and the area has since been cordoned off with ‘fire do not cross’ tape.
Disposable barbecues are banned at all of the council’s country parks, including Coate Water and Lydiard Park.
The council is reminding visitors that designated barbecue areas are available to hire at selected parks.
A spokesperson urged people to help protect green spaces by following the rules and disposing of waste responsibly.
The incident has prompted reaction from local residents on social media – with those involved labelled “selfish”.
Lucy Maull commented: “Unreal how dry it is already. Though I still don’t seen the attraction with BBQs, what happened to a nice picnic?”
Clare Bristow said: “If only they’d stop selling these, I had to call the fire brigade a few years back about kids lighting one on a green near us so dry lucky the whole area didn’t go up. So not just an issue in our parks”
Angie Read posted: “No brain cells”
Kristy Lee wrote: “We report this last year as well but people behave no respect”
Kelly Curtis said: “Selfish people with no braincells.”
