With summer upon us local people are being reminded that is against byelaws to light fires or barbecues in any of the borough's parks and open spaces. People who contravene this byelaw could be prosecuted and fined.

The reason being given by the Council for this is that barbecues nearly always leave behind scorched patches of burned grass that take months to recover.

On other occasions people have tipped burning hot coals into litter bins and set them on fire.

Insp Stephen Biggs of Wandsworth Parks Police said, “No one wants to be a killjoy but barbecues cause so much damage to grassed areas that there really is no alternative other than to ban them.

“People can still enjoy picnics but I’m afraid barbecues are not permitted. This important rule is there to protect our parks and to keep them looking good.

"Our local parks and commons are a great place to be when the weather is hot. We are just asking people to have consideration for other park users and to take proper care of their surroundings."