UNDER-THREAT moorland in Barnsley’s most picturesque beauty spots will be protected by measures to stop fast-spreading fires - and councillors hope the move will set a precedent for the rest of the borough.

The public space protection order (PSPO) will, in this case, outlaw fires, fireworks, sky lanterns the use of disposable barbecues outside of designated areas on publicly-accessible moorland.

At Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, members discussed the new order and how it seemed to be a ‘common sense’ approach to avoiding further devastation to the moorlands.

The new PSPO, covering 2,500 hectares of moorland, will apply to the west of the borough including Langsett, moorland nearby Thurlstone, right up to the Dunford Bridge area and the Kirklees border.

The moorland fires which led to the creation of the new order occurred in April 2019 and April 2021 - causing an estimated £700,000 worth of damage.

Coun Tim Cheetham said: “It’s vital the council does protect the borough against these key issues.

“Though this is just in one area it does set an example to the rest of the borough.

“Barbecues and small fires are dangerous absolutely everywhere - although they may spread faster on the moors during the dry summer months.

“I think this will raise awareness across the borough of the dangers and why this is needed.”