Signs have now been put up in the area.

One of Lancashire’s most popular picnic destinations has been damaged - by unwitting users.

Edisford Bridge Picnic Spot - by the banks of the River Ribble near Clitheroe - attracts thousands of visitors from across the county every year. But a key part of the experience is currently damaged.

When the Lancashire Post visited the site last week, virtually every one of the composite plastic picnic benches had clear signs of having been set on fire - leaving them melted, warped and unusable.

Rather than deliberate vandalism, the Post understands the issue relates to visitors causing unintentional damage during the recent heatwave, by placing disposable barbecues on the structures.

Picnic benches at Edisford Bridge which have been burnt and are now warped. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | National World

placeholder image — Picnic benches at Edisford Bridge which have been burnt and are now warped. Photo: Kelvin Lister-Stuttard | National World

One visitor said: “I was quite shocked to see all of the picnic tables damaged and warped out of shape. There’s no way we could have sat at one and eaten, so we sat on the grass instead. It’s a shame, because some people with mobility issues wouldn’t have been able to do that, and it spoils their enjoyment.

“It’s a real shame as no doubt this will cost thousands to repair.”

Local councillors say they are aware of the issue. Coun Simon O’Rourke told the Post that signs have now been put up in the area, warning people not to use disposable barbecues.

I spent £2 on a disposable BBQ and it cost me £100k in house repairs

Temporary ban

On August 14, the Government announced that disposable barbecues have been temporarily banned from sale over fears they pose a "significant risk to the public" as drought and heatwave conditions continued to grip the UK. They have been the cause of "a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months", the government said.

The Edisford Bridge picnic spot has become even more well-known since the stretch of water gained recognition as a designated outdoor swimming site in 2024. However, just weeks later, the Environment Agency urged against entering the water after samples revealed evidence of Intestinal Enterococci (IE) and Escherichia coli (E coli) - both types of bacteria that live in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals.

The current status of the water is still ‘poor’, with contamination ongoing.

Recent investment

This summer, Ribble Valley Borough Council completed work on a £300,000 play park featuring 150 play experiences for youngsters aged two to 14 at the former pitch and putt site at Riverside Park, Edisford Bridge, having already completed work at the Salthill and Hawthorne Place play areas in Clitheroe and John Smith’s play area in Longridge.

It's all part of a £750,000 scheme aimed at putting the borough’s 18 public play areas at the top of the ladder by 2027.

Ribble Valley Borough Council has been contacted for comment about the damage, but has yet to respond.