Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (EEBC) is taking steps to protect open spaces and reduce the risk of wildfire.

The recent hot weather has left parks and open spaces in the borough extremely dry and vulnerable to wildfires. Last week, EEBC took the decision to cut back the long grass close to residential homes to create fire breaks and stopped barbecues in our parks.

The Council has advised residents and visitors to make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished and disposed of properly. Litter, particularly glass, should also be put the bins provided or taken home.

EEBC also supports the advice from the water utilities to conserve water in these areas - https://www.thameswater.co.uk/help/water-saving/water-saving-tips-for-summer.

Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Environment and Safer Communities Committee visited one such site at Epsom Common saying, "During this prolonged hot and dry weather, we know that it is important to balance resident safety with the conservation of our open spaces and must take every precaution to reduce the risk of fire. We ask residents not to use disposable BBQs in our open spaces or to leave glass bottles behind. Cigarettes should also be fully extinguished and discarded in a bin".