With this month set to be one of the warmest Septembers on record, Islington Council have installed steel bins in one of its parks to allow for the safe disposal of barbecues.

Islington Gazette: Caroline RussellCaroline Russell (Image: Archant)

Since the borough became the first in London to allow the scorching summer activity in all of its parks, outdoor cooking at Highbury Fields has become very popular.

These metal bins allow the easy disposal of barbecue materials and would contain a fire within its structure should one break out.

The council’s only Green Party member, Cllr Caroline Russell, said: “Residents have been reporting bin fires from foil barbecues to me throughout the summer.

“I have been campaigning and working with officers to find a solution that allows safe disposal of barbecues to avoid any risk of burns to passers by in the park and to the workers collecting up the refuse after a busy barbecue day.

“I am delighted the bins have now been installed, but this is just a first step in managing the barbecues properly.”

Council parks officers have installed four steel bins in Highbury Fields, the borough’s biggest green space, ahead of the predicted Indian summer that is due to hit London.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, executive member for the environment, said: “Scrapping Islington’s barbecue ban has proved very popular.

“It means thousands of our residents who don’t have a garden can enjoy a barbecue with family and friends.

“These new bins will make it easier for people to safely dispose of barbecue materials and help keep Highbury Fields clean and tidy.”

Cllr Russell noted that grass protection and smoke management still need to be addressed but she is “pleased” the council have addressed the sizzling issue of barbecue safety.