Sussex beach bans all barbecues for 'critical safety reasons'

The West Wittering Estate announced the temporary measure due to the heightened risk of fire as dry conditions continue across Sussex.

The ban includes all charcoal, wood and gas barbecues and all camping stoves, and covers the beach car park, all fields and East Head.

The measure will remain in place until further notice.

Barbecues of all kinds have been banned by the estate due to the risk of fire

A spokesman for the estate also said that all cooking on the beach is also restricted due to the presence of marram grass, tamarisk and beach huts.

The ban comes as parts of Sussex are set to have a hosepipe ban enforced and as the Met Office warn of the possibility of “exceptionally severe” wildfires towards the latter half of this week.

Temperatures in West Wittering are set to hit 27C today and remain in the mid-20s for the rest of the week, with the mercury rising to 31C in Brighton.

Temperatures in West Wittering are expected to reach 27C today: credit - Geograph/Peter Facey

West Sussex Fire and Rescue warned that the risk of wildfires remains extremely high after tackling a blaze in a field near a care home yesterday evening.

The service is urging people to avoid open fires, including bonfires, extinguish cigarettes properly, and to take litter home after spending time in grassy areas, especially glass.