Calls for new measures to control "high risk" activities that could cause wildfires on Cannock Chase have been backed by senior district councillors.

During the summer more than three acres of land were damaged by fire at Hednesford Hills – and two fires devastated 15 hectares (37 acres) of heathland in Sherbrook Valley, near Brocton, killing lizards, adders and other animals and leading to the temporary closure of a section of Chase Road.

Last month Cllr Paul Fisher presented proposals to prevent future wildfires on Cannock Chase in the summers to come.

He put forward a motion to Cannock Chase District Council's full meeting, calling on the cabinet to consider a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to cover all parts of the Chase that fall within the district, introducing proportionate restrictions on high-risk activities and items that could contribute to the starting or spread of wildfires.

At Thursday's cabinet meeting (22 October), members spoke in favour of the proposal.

They also gave thanks to emergency services and residents who supported their efforts to tackle fires in the district during the hot and dry conditions of recent months.

Last year Staffordshire Moorlands District Council introduced a PSPO banning anyone from lighting a fire, barbecue, Chinese lantern or firework in restricted areas.

It also prohibits placing, throwing or dropping anything likely to cause a fire, or using any item that produces a naked flame or poses a risk of fire.

Anyone who breaches the order could face a £100 fixed penalty notice.

But PSPO includes certain exemptions, including 'legitimate land management activities' and the use of fixed permanent structures designed for cooking.

John Parkes, cabinet member for operational services and parks at Cannock Chase District Council, said any proposed restrictions on activities on the Chase should be proportionate.

He said: "This motion is not just about responding after the fire, it's about being proactive and talking a sustainable and preventative action now.

"We need to define which activities carry a fire risk and how they should be enforced.

I ask the cabinet to move this motion forward with a matter of urgency.

"I want to place on record my thanks to our firefighters, police, council staff and volunteers who work to protect this land and communities.

"When fire damages the landscape, the consequences reach far beyond the burnt ground."

Council leader Paul Jones said he fully supported the motion.

Cllr Georgina Jeffery, cabinet member for community safety and wellbeing, said: "There is work going on.

"There will be conversations with the fire service to see if areas need to be designated or if it's going to be district-wide.

"I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped out with the recent fires, particularly the firefighters and the kind residents of Cannock Chase who donated biscuits.

"There was a big donation drive in Hednesford."