FISHERMEN are being urged to dispose of rubbish they find at sea in a new bin at Mudeford Quay.

The facility has been provided at the Quay for crews to use for litter found by commercial fishermen.

The bin has been acquired from a partnership between the Litter Free Coast and Sea Campaign, Christchurch Borough Council and Mudeford and District Fishermen’s Association.

Litter Free Coast and Sea carried out an audit with local commercial fishermen to find out whether they had the resources they needed to bring marine litter they came across while out at sea ashore for safe disposal.

It was discovered that this extra bin was required at Mudeford Quay in Christchurch.

Richard Stride, chairman of Mudeford and District Fishermen’s Association, said: “Rubbish at sea can be a real problem for us, especially if it’s hidden beneath seaweed.

"Ropes and balloons can be particularly perilous and balloons have the added problem of giving the impression that they could be a person in danger."

Mudeford ward councillor Claire Bath said: "It’s great that the fishermen now have somewhere convenient to put the litter that they come across at sea and I’m glad that the partnership between our organisations has come up with this solution to the problem."

Matilda Manley, Litter Free Coast and Se Coordinator at Dorset Coast Forum, added: "This project demonstrated the great work local fishermen we engaged with do to minimise the creation of marine and beach litter.

"Through their practices they are helping create a Litter Free Coast and Sea and are natural ambassadors for the campaign."