"Significant increase" in rubbish left on beaches in Cornwall sparks appeal

Residents and visitors are being urged to Keep Cornwall Clean after a rise in rubbish left on beaches across Cornwall.

Cornwall Council says the increase in recent weeks is significant, with 15 bags a day being collected from one beach alone.

This rubbish includes disposable barbecues and broken bottles, which can cause serious injuries to others.

Bins are emptied more regularly during the summer months and dedicated street cleaning operatives work later shifts to keep towns tidy.

However if the nearest bin is full, people are being asked to find an alternative or take their litter home to prevent rubbish from ending up on the street, the moors or in the sea.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “It is simply unacceptable that people are leaving their litter behind. On one beach, we are collecting around 15 sacks of litter each day.

“Items such as glass bottles and disposable barbecues can cause serious injuries and I urge both residents and visitors to think of others and take responsibility for their own rubbish.

“During the summer months, public bins are emptied more regularly and teams work hard to clear litter from the streets but we need to everyone to play their part and respect local communities, as well the local wildlife.

“Please use the bins provided or take your litter home with you. We must all work together to Keep Cornwall Clean".

Cornwall Council is supporting Clean Cornwall’s Do it #thekernowway campaign which asks residents, visitors and business owners to consider how we can all minimise our impact during one the busiest summers we have ever had by:

• Being responsible for all your rubbish

• Remembering your refillable cups

• Pick up after your pets

• Choose to walk or cycle where you can

• Use campsites instead of wild camping

• Respect wildlife

• Say no to cheap snappable bodyboards

• Do it dreckly – go slow and soak up everything that is special about this place

More information about #thekernowway campaign can be found on Clean Cornwall's website.

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