Barbecues withdrawn from sale in Cairngorm National Park Co-ops
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Co-op stores in Badenoch and Strathspey have withdrawn its disposal barbecues from sale due to the fire risk in forests in the strath.
Kingussie's store has posted its reasons today: "We have been asked by head office to remove our disposable bbqs from sale due to being located in a national park (fire risk).
"So unfortunately, you will no longer be able to purchase them.
"We can still sell bags of charcoal, however, so it isn't the death of bbqs, but hopefully a little help towards our local environment."
It has now been clarified that head office has instructed all its stores in all national parks – 129 shops in all – have been instructed to stop selling portable barbecues.
In the strath, the move comes a week after a devastating blaze in the Glenmore Forest where firecrews had to fight their way well off the beaten track in the Rothiemurchus area to spent hours getting a wild fire under control.
An area something like seven football pitches in size was decimated by the blaze, the cause of which has still not been established.
But the Co-op move has been roundly supported by social media users:
"Should be totally banned, people getting 2nd, 3rd etc degree burns on their feet after walking on sand where a disposable barbecue has been" posted one respondent.
"Excellent, let’s hope other chains follow suit…….yes Tesco in Aviemore, we are looking at you."
"Well done Co op xx"
"A very good move!"
"Fantastic news! Thank you for recognising this important move."
"Well done. Here is to many other shops following suit!"
