Horwich Advertiser Issue 608

April 2024 Page 11 AD SALES 01204 478812 • Glass to specification • Toughened & laminated glass • Mirrors & float glass ST.GEORGE GLASS 1-7 Brideoake St, Leigh, WN7 2AG 01942 674331 www.stgeorgeglass.co.uk stgeorgeglass Also in BOLTON S T . G E O R G E G L A S S BESPOKE GLASSWORK • SANDBLASTING • BRILLIANT CUTTING • SHAPED BEVELLING • SPLASHBACKS • Trade & domestic retail • Greenhouse glass & picture glass • Full glazing services on all our products • Family business established over 60 years • Double glazed unit manufacturers • Replacement windows & doors • Commercial - domestic PEOPLE looking to enjoy the moors around Horwich this spring and summer have been given a reminder that activities that pose a fire risk have been banned. Lighting barbeques, building or lighting campfires or camping stoves, lighting fire- works or setting off paper sky lanterns were all banned last year by Bolton, Chorley and Blackburn with Dar- wen councils. They are working Lancashire and Greater Manchester police and fire and rescue services to use legal powers to protect the environ- ment and moorland and prevent wildfires that can cause devastat- ing damage. Each council has adopted a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) and together they cover a large area of moorland including Winter Hill. Breaching the PSPO is a criminal offence and could result in a fine of up to £1,000. The ban applies to public open space, mean- ing any land or prem- ises within the PSPO restricted area where there is public access or right of way. It does not prevent people living in the PSPO restricted area from, for example, enjoy- ing barbeques or setting off fireworks in their own gardens. Moorland fires are dif- ficult to control. At the time of the Winter Hill fires in 2018, over 100 firefighters and more than 20 fire engines were tackling the blaze, supported by soldiers, volunteers from local mountain rescue teams and a helicopter from United Utilities. Representatives from the three local author- ities, police and fire service gathered on the site of the PSPO to raise awareness of the new order and to encourage people to stay safe in the area and not risk caus- ing devastating fires. The PSPO will last for three years and organi- sations and individuals can apply for an exemp- tion if they need to light a fire for a community event and will be given written consent if they are able to meet the rules and regulations. A person will be guilty of an offence if they breach the prohi- bitions within the Pro- hibition Area, without first obtaining written consent from the rele- vant council. Sue Haworth, Bolton Council executive mem- ber for regulatory ser- vices, said: “Moorland wildfires can have huge and costly impacts on residents, communities, businesses and tour- ism, as well as being More protection for our moors SPECIAL REPORT devastating for wild- life including animals and birds. “Reducing the risk of wildfires demands a joined-up approach from councils, landowners, the fire service and the police, and I’m pleased to say that the ban on risky activities has been a fantastic example of different organisations working together very effectively for a com- mon good. “Not only that, but there is huge public support for protecting our magnificent moor- lands from fire, with over 90 per cent of people who took part in our consul- tation last year strongly supporting this action.” Bev Murray, execu- tive member for early intervention at Chorley Council, added: “We are so lucky in Chorley to have vast areas of natu- ral beauty to enjoy, and it is so important that we have measures in place to protect them. We have seen first-hand the devastation fires can cause which have lasting effects on our habitats and environment.” Matt Hamer, Area Manager at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Lancashire knows only too well the devas- tating effects of wild- fires following a fire on Winter Hill near Bolton in summer 2018, which destroyed 18 square kilo- metres of moorland, and a large fire started by a disposable BBQ on Dar- wen Moor in 2020. “As spring approaches, we start to see an increase of calls for moorland and grass fires as the warm and dry weather begins, and the direct impact of wildfires upon our communities can be massive and can tie up critical emergency service resources. “We fully support the PSPO and will continue to work with the councils and our partners to pro- tect Lancashire’s great outdoors so everyone can enjoy it safely.” Timely reminder: Councillors have come together to urge people to stay safe outdoors