Why some New Forest Co-ops have removed disposable BBQs, while others have not

A REGIONAL shop chain has distanced itself from the national Co-operative which was criticised last week for refusing to take disposable barbecues off its shelves in the New Forest.

The Manchester-based Co-op, which has outlets in Lymington, Hordle and Bransgore among its national network, was even the subject of calls for a boycott, as reported in the A&T.

The separate Southern Co-operative, however, already removed the items from sale in June following an appeal to shopkeepers from the national park authority, among others, to help reduce the risk of serious fire in the New Forest.

Mark Smith, chief executive of the Southern Co-operative, said: “As a responsible retailer, our decision to stop selling disposable barbecues was made across our stores in Milford, Lyndhurst and Holbury.

“This action has also been followed by our Welcome franchise stores in Marchwood, Brockenhurst and Ashurst.

“Our actions have already been praised by the New Forest National Park Authority and Leave the BBQ at Home campaign.”

He added: “We fully appreciate people’s concerns around the use of disposable barbecues which is echoed by our local store colleagues.

“Whilst it is not always important for our customers to be aware of the difference between us and Co-op Group, we want local people to be absolutely clear that Southern Co-op takes a genuine concern in issues they raise with us and will act to protect our communities wherever possible.”

The two organisations are separate but use similar branding, and the regional Southern Co-op, based in Portsmouth, is licensed to sell national Co-op goods and funeral care services.

As reported in the A&T, the Southern Co-op was among the first to join retailers removing disposable barbecues from their shelves. They are banned from use in the New Forest and more than 50 retailers have followed suit.

The national Co-op stores locally did not join in, however, claiming the packets carried warnings for people to use them responsibly and away from prohibited areas.

The stance prompted Pennington Cllr Jack Davies to call on people to stop spending their money at its outlets.

NPA chair Oliver Crosthwaite-Eyre added: “The Co-op should urgently think again. They are seriously out of step with public opinion.”