CLA East in the news

The CLA has featured prominently in the media recently as it continues to raise issues associated with increased fire risk in the countryside due to the hot, dry weather conditions.

Representatives from the CLA have featured on BBC Look East TV as well many radio stations including BBC Essex, BBC Lincolnshire, BBC Suffolk and BBC Cambridgeshire, among others. There has also been considerable coverage in the regional print media.

The interest came as the CLA issued a call to all major retailers to bring in an immediate ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, in an effort to mitigate the risk of further wildfires causing havoc in the countryside this summer.

As another hot period of weather continues, the time for action is now. Marks and Spencer has led the way with this initiative, however it is time that all other retailers follow suit in order to protect rural communities and businesses at this time.

CLA President Mark Tufnell stated: “The CLA is demanding that retailers immediately ban the sale of disposable barbecues across the UK this summer in a move to curb fires spreading in the countryside which cause great damage to rural communities, businesses and jeopardise the safety of all those in the surrounding areas. It is encouraging to see that Marks and Spencer has taken this decision, however it is now time for other major retailers to follow suit as soon as possible.

Mark continued: “During this period of prolonged lack of rainfall, record temperatures during heatwaves and wildfires damaging the countryside, policies such as this which can mitigate potential further fire damage are sensible and necessary. We warmly welcome people to the countryside as they seek to enjoy the glorious weather. But we ask them to help us protect farmland and natural habitats by not lighting barbecues, fires and other potentially hazardous materials such as sky lanterns.”