Calls to ban the sale of disposable barbecues at supermarkets in Saddleworth are growing after the council leader raised concerns.

Saddleworth Parish Councillors have made calls for the Co-op supermarkets in the area to ban the sales of the barbecues due to the threat of them causing moor fires.

Now, Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah has supported these calls and is said to have written to the supermarket chain.

Co-op shops are found in Uppermill, Delph and Grotton and Cllr Shah is looking for the chain to reinstate a ban on the barbecues.

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Oldham Council has confirmed that the Public Spaces Protection Order banning fires on Saddleworth Moor imposed following a series of destructive fires is still in place.

Cllr Shah said: "Oldham Council continues to work with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and United Utilities and other partners to ensure that Dovestone and the wider moorland are kept safe.

"Moorland fires are entirely avoidable and making it harder for people to get hold of a disposable barbeque is an easy step to take."

Labour Parish Councillor Phil Gaul said that the sale of disposable barbeques "is not conducive to keeping our land safe".

Cllr Gaul said: "It’s no use reacting once the damage has been done, local businesses need to play their part in helping to protect our beautiful moors and the birds and animals they are home to."

The Co-op was approached for comment.