Local MP Robert Largan has welcomed the ban on lighting fires, barbecues, fireworks and Chinese lanterns to help prevent wildfires at high-risk locations in the High Peak.

Following the wildfires along the Longdendale trail at the end of March, Robert wrote to the Leader of High Peak Borough Council, Cllr Antony McKeown, urging the Council to introduce the Public Space Protection Order as soon as possible.

A Public Space Protection Order has now been approved by High Peak Borough Council, covering land owned by the authority, and all parts of the Borough that lie within the boundary of the Peak District National Park that are open to the air, and to which the public have access.

Last week, Robert raised the recent number of fires on moorlands in the Peak District in the House of Commons, calling on the Leader of the House, the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, to grant a debate in Parliament on the use of disposable barbecues.

Robert is planning to take further action in Parliament to make the case for stronger legislation to tackle the use of disposable barbecues on moorland, and push for greater efforts to reduce wildfire risk.

Robert Largan MP, for the High Peak, said: 

“This is very positive news. I’m grateful that the Council have listened, and taken this important step to reduce the risk of wildfire and protect our moors and countryside. 

“I’m continuing to push for improved safety measures on a national level to safeguard our local moorland in the High Peak.”