CO-OP stores near Snowdonia National Park will no longer sell instant barbecues amid wildfire fears.

Stores within a one-mile radius of Snowdonia National Park will no longer sell the items amid an worrying upward trend in wildfires caused by them.

Adele Balmforth, buying director at Co-op said: “Whilst the majority of consumers use, extinguish, and dispose of instant barbecues safely, and we continue to sell many of them from our stores across the UK, we respect that local decisions to protect the parkland have to be made.

"Where we have stores in, and within a one-mile radius, of a National Park we have removed instant barbecues from sale to help protect the landscape of the communities in which we serve. “

The Leader: An instant BBQ. An instant BBQ. (Image: Martini archive)

This announcement comes as part of Co-op’s campaign, launched with the support of the National Fire Chiefs Council and Greater Manchester Fire Service, called ‘Put Me Out’, to promote safer use of instant barbecues this summer.

Paul Hedley, National Fire Chiefs Council lead for wildfires, said: “We support Co-op’s move – adding clear warnings along with simple messaging on how to dispose of these barbecues is an effective way to prevent fires.

"Most people manage to enjoy instant barbecues with no issues but the worrying upward trend in wildfires caused by these devices, cannot be ignored and action has to be taken.”

The eight North Wales stores are:

  • Plough Street, Llanrwst
  • 78-86 Stryd Fawr, Bala
  • Station Road, Barmouth
  • 14 Maes Talaran, Dolgellau
  • 80-88 Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth
  • Old Station Yard, Tywyn
  • Junction of Pentwyn and Park Road, Deganwy
  • Village Road, Llanfairfechan