An army of volunteers, both young and old, headed to Saltburn beach on Saturday to take part in the 'Adopt a Beach' event organised by the Marine Conservation Society. Local volunteers, rounded up by Saltburn 500 Club, have been carrying out regular clean sweeps on the beach for the last eight years and this weekend's operation was as well supported as ever. The volunteers cleared bags of litter off the beach during the clean-up drive. Chris Terry, organiser of Saltburn Beach Watch, said: "Around 30 people usually take part. Not only does the rubbish spoil the beach for visitors, but it is dangerous to wildlife. The volunteers were asked to record the items they found, from plastic bottles to old shoes, sanitary and shipping waste. After the collection, the rubbish was weighed and categorised into sections and the data is sent to the Marine Conservation Society, Redcar and Cleveland Council and Northumbrian Water. Mr Terry said: "The survey helps us to keep track of any trends so that we can see where the problem lies."
This is exactly the sort of public-spirited action we need if we are to make the most of our area. It is a great event and helps to keep the beach clean - however the worst place for plastic waste and rubbish has got to be along the banks which are covered once again. No guessing as to where the problem lies here - it's all the result of the current methods of recycling!
Fantastic to see people giving up their Saturday to take part in the Beachwatch. Just wish the refuse and recycling problem was being dealt with - the banks are strewn with plastic of all descriptions. People are trying hard to recylce but the winds and the collection methods means a lot of rubbish ends up on the cliffside!
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