A tougher measure once considered to tackle a growing problem at a country park has now been ruled out – but safety concerns remain.
Bolton Council has decided not to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) at the park, despite previously warning it could take that step if issues involving fires and barbecues continued.
The council said a PSPO specifically targeting fires and barbecues would not be appropriate at this stage, although it stressed that warnings about the dangers they pose in the park are still in place.
A Bolton Council spokesperson said: "A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was considered for Moses Gate Country Park.
"It was decided that a specific order to address fires and barbeques would not be suitable currently.
"However, due to the significant risk of fire, damage to habitats, and potential danger to visitors, Bolton Council does not encourage the use of fires or barbecues within its parks and open spaces."
The council added that visitors are being asked to help protect wildlife, the environment, and public safety by not lighting fires or using barbecues.
The possibility of a PSPO was raised in June after repeated reports of fire damage at the country park, including scorched grass, burnt picnic benches, and multiple fire sites.
Cllr Hamid Khurram, executive member for Stronger Communities and councillor for Farnworth North, said work has continued to reduce the problem.
He said: "We have visited with officers and the request we are making is that everybody wants to enjoy the park but it is very important that people care about others.
"So we are looking into what we can do.
"We have put signs there, asked officers to visit it and asked people to use the park safely so others can use it.
"I have not received many complaints about it afterwards, and we have asked council officers and police to keep an eye on it."
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