Proposed bans on the use of disposable barbecues and the release of sky lanterns and balloons on or in council owned parks, open spaces and beaches will go out for consultation.
The environment and community protection committee (ECPC) last Thursday (28th August 2025) voted to press ahead with a process seeking to establish whether the practices are ‘causing a nuisance’ and understand support for the introduction of new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).
Under consultation
Prior to the vote, ECPC’s Alliance independent chair Councillor Karen Lucioni said the three items would be separated when under consultation.
Areas such as seafronts, playgrounds and sports and recreational facilities would be included in the bans, according to a committee report.
As reported by OnTheWight back in 2017, Isle of Wight Council already have a ban on releasing balloons on their land or properties.
Dix: This isn’t about stopping people having fun
Natasha Dix, Isle of Wight Council service director for waste, environment and planning told the chamber,
“These items pose significant risks to public safety, wildlife and the environment.
“We’ve seen incidents locally and nationally where disposable barbecues have caused injuries and fires, where lanterns and balloons have harmed animals and contributed towards litter and pollution.
“This isn’t about stopping people having fun – this is about working in collaboration with our residents and businesses and finding out what people actually think about this”.
Churchman: This is just bureaucracy gone mad again
In a dissenting view however, Haylands and Swanmore Conservative councillor Vanessa Churchman said she did not “understand” why the council had to have a consultation.
“It’s obvious…to me this is just bureaucracy gone mad again and its costing money.
“There is no question – barbecues on beaches are dangerous, especially if you have places like Yaverland and Shanklin where the grass actually comes down onto the beach.”
Ward: There will always be someone that finds something wrong with what you want to do
Sandown South’s Conservative councillor, Ian Ward, was in favour of consultation,
“What percentage of these barbecues go wrong and cause trouble? There could be hundreds that we never even hear about and five of them go wrong – same with balloons.
“Every action has a reaction – there will always be someone that finds something wrong with what you want to do.
“It would be good to ask the people on the beach who are having a barbecue whether they think it should be banned – if you ask the fire service of course they’re going to say yes.”
Councillor Lucioni said it was important to get “everybody’s view” on the matter.
Cameron: Promote public BBQ areas
Freshwater South’s Councillor Becca Cameron, of the Empowering Islanders group, said,
“I know my residents are very anti having balloons and they’re very anti having the lanterns.
“There is a debate – some of them would like to continue the barbecues – but we do have public barbecue areas in certain areas and I think that would be a good idea to promote.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
