Local Lib-Dems call for urgent government action on moorland fires

Councillor Howard Sykes

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has written to the Conservative Government calling for a national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues.

They are often the cause of moorland fires.

Cllr Sykes has called for greater court punishments for those found guilty of negligently or wilfully setting fire to our moors.

He has written to the Secretary of State for the Environment, George Eustice MP, calling for action.

Cllr Sykes said: “Action is long overdue. 

"For several years now, people in Oldham, myself included, have been shocked and saddened by the repeated fires that we have witnessed on Crompton, Marsden and Saddleworth Moors. 

"We love our moors, more so after a year when many of us have had to spend much of our time in lockdown and we yearn for a chance to experience again the beauty of these unique open spaces.

“It is simply unacceptable that idiots and arsonists continue to destroy these tranquil and fragile landscapes and the wildlife that inhabits them.

"Enough is enough – I want the government to ban the sale of disposable bbqs and increase the fines, community punishments and custodial sentences handed out to offenders.

"I hope that the Minister will listen and that he will take action.”

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