The father of a young boy, who suffered severe burns after a barbecue was used on a beach, has supported a ban by the council.

Southend Council is banning the use of barbecues on East Beach and new signage is being put up across the area, seafront and town.

It comes after various incidents across the city where people and children have stepped on barbecues and sand where these have been used and become injured.

In one incident a toddler from Great Wakering suffered major burns after scolding his feat on hot sand.

The three-year-old's injuries were so severe, he was unable to walk for nearly two weeks and had to be rushed to hospital immediately after he was burned.

He had stepped on sand which had previously been covered by a disposable barbecue the family had been using, His father, aged 37, who asked to anonymous has spoken out in support of the ban.

He said: “I very much welcome this and think anything that helps is a good thing.

“I’ve read and heard about other similar incidents and I wouldn’t like any other family to go through what we did.

“I think it’s much better for piece of mind and think it will help other families going forward.”

Carole Mulroney, Lib Dem councillor for environment, culture and tourism, said: “Unfortunately we have seen too many incidents, reports, and photos this summer of people not being able to respect East Beach and public property, with barbeques causing damage, danger and distress to other visitors and local people too. We have also recently seen grass fires up and down the country caused by the hot weather and dry conditions.

“Whilst we consider the longer-term process around this issue, we have taken the decision as landowner to ban them from East Beach. This includes the brick-built BBQ areas, as these areas are unfortunately also being misused by a small number of groups, but nonetheless are causing anti-social issues and damage.

“We are taking what action we can at this time, and so signs and fencing are being put up for this weekend, and whilst we understand it will take time to alter people’s mindsets and actions, I would ask that people respect this decision and no longer use East Beach as a BBQ area.”