Another beach is marred by rubbish left behind by visitors

Another beach is marred by rubbish left behind by visitors

24 July 2013

THE litter-strewn state of beaches in Down District has again come under the spotlight.

Killough beach came under fire this week from frustrated resident Kieron Black, who captured these images, while Tyrella is a focus of the Dog Lovers NI group. They are angry dogs are forced to stay off the beach while litter louts appear to have free rein.

In recent weeks the Down Recorder has highlighted a mounting litter problem on beaches such as Murlough and Kilclief, exacerbated by the recent heatwave.

Mr. Black said he was pleased to see his “beautiful village” and its surroundings busy but worried no-one seemed to be responsible for the maintenance of the beach and harbour wall.

“The lack of any kind of litter bin or receptacle at either Killough main beach, the harbour wall or the Rope Walk has led to a situation where a minority of beach users are just abandoning their rubbish at the end of their day,” he said.

“Over a period of a few days this refuse builds up into a serious problem, not only in terms of the unsightly appearance of the village but as a genuine health concern as rats, gulls and dogs pick at the leftovers. As well as food and trash, glass bottles are left, become broken and render the beach unsafe to children and pets.”

Mr. Black said he had helped fill five large refuse sacks which were taken to a recycling centre.

“The good news is people are making an effort to keep the beach clean and we have seen sacks filled with rubbish by the beach goers themselves, but there is no one to collect these and they are soon ripped apart by the seagulls,” he said.

The Dog Lovers NI campaign group also commented on the state of local beaches as it queried the restrictions placed on dog owners using Tyrella beach over the summer months.

It noted that Coleraine Borough Council has made provision in its bye-laws for guide dogs on its beaches during this period but that Down Council had not done so.

Leaving comments about Tyrella beach on the group’s Facebook page, one member wrote: “There is nothing a dog could do there that could possibly make it any more disgusting. Benone for me every time but I wish non dog owners would stop using the beach as they leave such a mess behind them.”

Another said: “I was at this beach just before the good weather...I only stayed for about 30 mins for it was so dirty...baby used nappies, cans of beer, glass bottles.... bags .... all just thrown away and every bin was piled high overflowing...”

A spokeswoman for Down Council said: “Down District Council in its bid to gain Blue Flag status must comply with the Blue Flag guidance, which does not permit dogs onto Tyrella beach from April to September. Tyrella beach was awarded this international beach status in June 2013, which accredits beaches that meet high standards of providing clean, safe and well managed beach facilities.

“Tyrella beach has also been declared as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) because of its intertidal sand and rock communities, sand dune systems and the associated flora and fauna which must be protected.

“We accept that the current signage does not make it clear that Guide Dogs are permitted onto the beach at all times and we apologise for this confusion. The signage will be amended to provide this clarification.”

In relation to the litter problem, the council did not clarify which specific beaches it has responsibility for, but said: “Down District Council carries out cleansing of the beaches and coastline that are under its control. “Consideration is given to additional cleansing requirements in these areas during good weather periods when an increase in usage by the public, generates greater volumes of litter.”