It follows a spate of deliberate fires sparked in Hanley Park, which has led to damage and endangered wildlife habitats.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is teaming up with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue to remind visitors to parks and outdoor spaces of the dangers of starting fires.
It follows a spate of deliberate fires sparked in Hanley Park, which has led to damage and endangered wildlife habitats.
The most recent vandalism at Hanley Park included a “dead” hedge row being set on fire.
These structures are carefully built by the park's team and dedicated volunteers to increase biodiversity and create habitats for wildlife. They play a vital role in supporting birds, insects and small mammals – and in making the park a thriving, natural space for everyone to enjoy.
Councillor Amjid Wazir OBE, cabinet member for city pride, enforcement and sustainability at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This kind of reckless damage isn’t just dangerous, it undoes hours of hard work aimed at protecting and improving our local environment.
“Parks are meant to be a place to get lost in nature, to relax, or to exercise and to spend time with friends and family.
“The most recent dry spell has also made the land more prone to fires. Please talk to your children, even friends and family members about the importance of looking after nature.
“Our Park’s Team work tirelessly in all weathers, year in and year out to ensure not only visitors have the best visit, but that nature is thriving. Let’s not undo that hard work.
“Bin your rubbish, make sure cigarettes are extinguished and binned and remember, absolutely no fires or BBQs in the parks.”
Visitors are also reminded to respect the plants and flower beds throughout the parks. Hanley Park hosts award-winning displays each year; however, recently flowers have been picked and thrown across the floor.
Station Manager Ant Ball, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are urging the public to take extra care when enjoying outdoor spaces, especially as warmer weather increases the risk of accidental fires.
“Fires not only cause significant damage to our natural environment, but also place a considerable strain on emergency resources that may be needed elsewhere.
“We are asking members of the public to refrain from lighting bonfires or barbecues in public spaces such as parks and open countryside. These activities can quickly become dangerous and get out of control, particularly in dry or windy conditions.
“Visitors are reminded to always dispose of rubbish responsibly using the bins provided, and to ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished before discarding them.
“We thank the public for their cooperation in keeping our communities and green spaces safe.”
“Our PCSOs are regularly patrolling the area to keep visitors safe. We would also like to remind people that we hold a weekly police surgery at Hanley Park every Saturday and would urge local residents to talk to us about their concerns.”
For more information on fire safety, please visit: Don't be Blamed for the Flames
and https://www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/safety-outside/grass-fire-prevention/
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