Sefton Council’s Green Sefton team are urging beach goers to respect Sefton’s beaches and to take litter home as the region has had rising visitor numbers after a fortnight of fabulous sunshine and with the good weather set to continue this weekend.
Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:
“As restrictions now allow more people to meet up outdoors, we’ve seen an influx of visitors across our coastal gateways at Southport, Ainsdale and Crosby, with National Trust partners at Formby also experiencing extremely high visitor numbers.
“Sadly, it has resulted in an increase of litter at our beauty spots. Our message is simple – if you brought it to the beach with you, then you can take it home with you.
“People also need to continue to be vigilant and adhere to Covid-19 measures so that our coast remains a safe place for everyone to spend time. At busy times people might like to look at visiting other outdoors spaces and attractions across Sefton.”
Mark Shaw, Sefton Council’s Green Sefton Service Manager, said:
“Our Rangers are prioritising litter clearance and bin emptying – they are constantly doing this throughout their shifts and providing visitors with free bags for their rubbish – but more visitors means more rubbish. People should think ahead and be prepared to take it home with them.
“I do want to say a huge thank you to the continued efforts of our local volunteers who are going out in their own time and clearing up after the minority of beach users who flagrantly disregard their responsibility to look after the environment around them.
“We have brought in large skips that we would ask people to dispose of their rubbish in when small bins reach capacity. Leaving bags next to smaller bins might seem like the right thing to do, but unfortunately it can attract seagulls and other pests and result in the mess being spread around again.”
A range of measures have been put in place at the coast by Sefton Council under its Visitor Action Plan to manage concerns as restrictions ease further allowing more people to enjoy the outdoors again:
- Both Ainsdale and Southport beach car parks are now open until the end of September – to ease parking complaints in residential areas and to maximise the number of parking spaces;
- The implementation of a cashless payment system at beach car parks is providing quick, easy and safe access;
- Variable traffic signs continue to be used to direct vehicles to locations where parking is available and away from areas that are full – like Formby which often reaches capacity;
- Enforcement for illegal and inconsiderate parking is being targeted at the areas where concerns persist – keeping clear access for emergency vehicles is also essential;
- Additional Green Sefton Rangers are assisting with car park management, beach cleaning and providing assistance to visitors;
- Portable loos are located at Crosby and Ainsdale beaches once again – with increased maintenance owing to the high volume of visitors;
- Skips are again positioned at coastal locations to ensure litter can be disposed of, but visitors are reminded to take their rubbish home with them;
- Rangers are providing free rubbish sacks to visitors during peak periods;
- Volunteer ‘beach ambassadors’ are also on hand at peak times to educate visitors on the special nature of the Sefton coastline, and asking that they respect it when they come.
Anyone planning a visit to the Sefton coast should visit www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches to find out about travel options and facilities at its beaches and to read its Visitor Action Plan for 2021.
Sefton Council continues to work with the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership that brings together organisations who want to ensure the safety of visitors and residents along the 22-mile coastline. Members include Sefton Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire and Rescue, British Transport Police, National Trust Formby, Natural England, the RNLI and others.
