Local Lib-Dems call for urgent government action on moorland fires Date published: 25 May 2021 Councillor Howard Sykes The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has written to the Conservative Government calling for a national ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. They are often the cause of moorland fires. Cllr Sykes has called for greater court punishments for those found guilty of negligently or wilfully setting fire to our moors. He has written to the Secretary of State for the Environment, George Eustice MP, calling for action. Cllr Sykes said: “Action is long overdue.