The BBQ area in Burgess Park, which never reopened after lockdown, is to be discussed again at a meeting this evening.
In 2011, a permanent barbecue section was created in Burgess Park by Southwark Council, where people could barbecue and gather freely and safely.
Despite the area being well-used and loved by many local people, it closed during lockdown and never reopened.
At the time, Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Leisure and Parks, said: “We have made the necessary decision to suspend all the fixed barbecue facilities at Burgess Park. This is consistent with disposable BBQs, which are not permitted in any of our parks. We understand that this may disappoint some park visitors, but our unwavering commitment lies in keeping our parks safe during high temperatures, reducing air pollution and minimising harmful waste in Southwark.
“Since the barbecue facilities were put in place over a decade ago, the council’s investment in Burgess Park has allowed us to create the much-needed extension of the new sports hub. We now need to find a balance between all these important park uses.
“We are working closely with the Walworth community and key park stakeholders to find long-term sustainable solutions. Their input has been invaluable in the extensive consultation carried out so far and we are all aligned in our desire to develop a vision for outdoor eating in Walworth.
“I’m confident that together we will develop a new community-oriented and environmentally considerate facility in the future”.