THE number of beach barbecues across the seafront in Bournemouth and Poole is set to be tripled in time for Easter – but further units ordered last year will be kept back as spares.

BCP Council installed six of the 27 electric barbecues it received last summer after forking out just shy of £180,000 on the catering equipment.

The remaining 21 had been sat in storage following their delivery in April 2021 from All Urban Ltd, the UK supplier for Christies in Australia.

Following a Freedom of Information request by the Daily Echo, BCP Council has now confirmed 12 more beach barbecues will be installed by the Easter weekend.

Bournemouth Echo: Beach barbecuesBeach barbecues

They will be placed at Fisherman’s Walk, Portman Ravine, the promenade outside Urban Reef and Branksome Chine.

Asked why the phased rollout had been used, a BCP Council spokesperson said: “Not all 27 purchased units will be deployed immediately as some will be incorporated into forthcoming seafront developments such as the Durley Environmental Innovation Hub and Sandbanks Pavilion and a number will be kept in reserve as spares.

Read more: Staffing issues led to beach barbecues being fenced off

“The electric beach barbecues were partly introduced due to the ever-increasing health and safety issues caused by disposable barbecues which pose a considerable risk to the public and to the environment.

“As well as creating a litter problem, they can be a fire hazard when in use and when a partially extinguished barbecue is left in the sand or by the bins. They can also cause injury through burns or cuts if stepped on accidentally.”

As reported, the beach barbecues that were installed last summer had to be fenced off after issues had surfaced over who was responsible for cleaning them every day.

BCP Council decided to place the first six barbecues at Fisherman’s Walk, Bournemouth East beach between the piers and Branksome Chine.

Read more: Sandbanks barbecue facilities removed due to disorder issues

The local authority turned the barbecues on over the Christmas period following a request by open water swimming groups and residents to enjoy festive feasts at the seaside.

Electric barbecues are a sustainable and safer option than disposable barbecues, the council spokesperson said.

“They are easy to clean, simply requiring a wipe down between use. The barbecues operate on a pre-timed cycle and turn off automatically after use.

“They can also be switched on and off at the push of a button.

“They are made of corrosion resistant, low-maintenance stainless steel and electric barbecues have been regularly and successfully used by guests at The Bournemouth Beach Lodges site at Manor Steps since 2019.”