A petition urging Sutton Council to remove and ban barbecues from Beddington Park could be set for debate by councillors soon.

The online petition on the council’s website has now received more than 1,500 signatures, meaning it will now have to be discussed at full council.

A new system for booking its static barbecue stands were brought in last May after Beddington Park was blighted with a series of problems.

Proposals were introduced to not only keep the existing ones in the park, but also to install larger “party barbecue zones” as well.

While those were scrapped, campaigners now want all of them to be gone and never return again following the launch of the online petition.

READ: REVEALED: How much has been made from parking fines and BBQ charges in Beddington Park

Graham Fox, who is campaigning for the barbecues’ removal, said: “Beddington Park is a beautiful park, but every summer it’s spoiled by massive parties around BBQs.

“The mess is unbelievable.

“The toilets close at 5pm but the BBQs stay open until way past seven. People are using the bushes as their toilet.

“Another issue that worries me greatly is the intake of alcohol, along with all those knives and BBQ tools people bring with them.

“In this day and age, with all of the horrendous knife crime taking place, I really don’t think it’s the best idea to encourage their use [BBQs] in the park.

“Yes I understand that people may not have gardens but a good old fashioned picnic is just as good, surely?”

READ: Carshalton man documents 'absolutely disgusting' mess left in Beddington Park

Jackie Moore, who launched the petition, says the barbecues have attracted several issues - including antisocial behaviour and “inconsiderate” parking.

She insists the introduction of the previously proposed “party barbecue zones” would attract more of the same problems.

In her petition she said: “The council would also want to start charging more for parking, making a nice, free day out at the park on the swings or feeding the ducks cost you money.

“We would like to see all barbecues removed from the park to keep the place clean, safe and accessible to all: wildlife, children and adults.”

A raft of proposals for Beddington Park went before the council’s Beddington and Wallington Local Committee in January.

This included the installation of a new pay and display system, free of charge toilet provision, and improvements to the park’s litter and waste management.

However, the recommendations, which were expected to bring in an extra £120,000, were later withdrawn.

It remains unclear at this stage whether council officers will be putting forward similar plans to the committee again in the near future.

ePetitions which gain more than 1,500 from Sutton residents on the electoral roll must have a full council debate, according to the authority.

It has gained 1,547 at the time of publishing, though it's not known at this time when it could be debated.

You can see it here.