Volunteers have been thanked for rolling up their sleeves to help tidy beaches across Tendring as part of this year’s Great British Beach Clean.

The clean-up took place at beaches from Harwich to Point Clear bringing together local litter-picking groups, residents and beachgoers to help protect the Essex Sunshine Coast.

The nationwide initiative is organised by the Marine Conservation Society and sees volunteers remove litter from beaches while also recording what they find to help build a clearer picture of the rubbish affecting the UK’s coastline.

Beach clean-ups in Tendring were supported by Tendring District Council (TDC), which provided waste bags while some equipment was also provide by Rivercare Beachcare and CleanupUK.

Local groups taking part in the initiative, on 27 September, included Harwich Litterpickers, Walton Wallys, Frinton Frombles, the Holland-on-Sea Bluetits, Greater Holland/Holland-on-sea Litterpickers  Clacton Volunteer Litterpickers, Tendring Primary Recycling, CleanupUK and St Osyth and Point Clear Litterpickers.

Adrian Smith, Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Cabinet Member for Environment, who joined litter pickers in Clacton for the clean-up, thanked all those who gave up their time to support the initiative.

“I would like to thank every single volunteer who took part in the Great British Beach Clean here in Tendring,” he said.

“Our beaches are one of our district’s greatest assets, and it is always inspiring to see local groups, residents and visitors coming together to help keep them clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.

“Sadly, too much rubbish still ends up on our beaches, and I would again appeal to people to dispose of their waste responsibly and take their litter home if bins are full.

“The pride people take in our coastline is clear, and their efforts make a real difference for our beaches, our wildlife and the many people who enjoy visiting the Essex Sunshine Coast.”

Image shows volunteers at the Great British Beach Clean in Holland-on-Sea. Image: Terry Hutchinson

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