Charlie’s battle with litter continues

Charlie’s battle with litter continues

23 August 2017

YOUNG Crossgar environmental hero Charlie Hamilton-Cooper is continuing his battle against litter on beaches and is particularly concerned about a problem in Newcastle.

The youngster, who began gathering litter at local beaches earlier this year, has spent many weekends collecting rubbish that is dumped on or washes ashore on local strands.

Since March he has completed 11 beach cleans including three at Newcastle, two on Ballyhornan and Minerstown and others at Killough, Killyleagh, Portavogie and Donegal. 

Charlie began his campaign after hearing his mum and dad discussing a report of his plastic in the seas is killing wildlife.

The life-wire youngster was so interested in the conversation he decided he wanted to do something about it so the family came up with the idea of collecting litter on the beaches.

Charlie efforts came to the attention of Keep Northern Ireland beautiful whose development officer, Nicola Fitzsimons, presented him with his own litter picker, hi-viz vest and gloves.

However, his recent litter gathering has identified a particular issue in Newcastle that his mum and dad want to highlight as a “disgusting hazardous problem.”

Six weeks ago Charlie and his parents completed a beach clean in Newcastle and found around 50 bags of dog poo.

“At the time we didn’t separate the bags of dog poo from normal litter we lifted so couldn’t take a picture of the problem, which is really needed to make an impact,” said dad Jonathan.

They returned again last Saturday and found another 54 bags of dog poo in just one hour which were gathered by Charlie’s parents after he identified them.

“The bags of dog poo are found mostly near the rocks, either among them or on the sand near the rocks,” said Jonathan. “It is obvious that some dog owners are actually taking the time to bag the poo but are then flinging it towards the rocks. 

“This of course is absolutely disgusting. It is above all else a major health hazard to animals and humans who use the beach. 

“The main health issue is that this could potentially lead to is toxocariasis in humans. It could cause humans serious illness and could even lead to blindness. 

“It is something the council needs to address. There is a dog bin when you walk off the beach, but more needs to be done as obviously irresponsible dog owners are not using it. 

“Possible solutions could include more dog bins dotted along the beach near the rocks, anti-dog fouling warning signs along the beach and enforcement officers issuing fines.These are a few possible options to try and tackle this completely revolting problem,” said Jonathan.

Charlie’s dad said they had spotted many bags of dog poo in other locations around the coast but on nowhere near the same scale as exists in Newcastle.