RESIDENTS have taken matters into their own hands to tackle litter issues and raise awareness of the harm it can cause at coastal areas in Christchurch.

The community action was started by Rebecca Sherlock after a number of people vented their anger and frustration online at waste being dumped in and around some of the boroughs beauty spots.

It remains in its infancy, but Ms Sherlock said since setting up the Mudeford Quay Clean Up group on Facebook last week, interest was growing on how best to improve the situation.

She says the group aims to remain positive by engaging with all the community and educating people to instil a mindset of not littering.

A Southbourne resident herself, Ms Sherlock has widened her knowledge and passion for the subject while completing a part-time degree in environmental science with the Open University.

“Hopefully we will be able to turn the anger people have when they see litter into a productive approach, which improves the situation,” she said.

“The reaction so far has been really positive. We want to work together with the council to maintain the beaches and make them a cleaner place for everyone.

“What people often don’t realise is littering near the beach ends up with the rubbish getting blown into the sea, which can be devastating.

“Really I think it just comes down to people being uneducated on the impact litter has. The beaches are there for everyone and it is a very selfish act.

The group has raised several concerns and areas which they plan to address. Initial ideas from members include launching a poster campaign at the quay to highlight the need to correctly dispose of litter.

Ms Sherlock said that some members called for more bins to be located near the beach to encourage people to use them and this was something she planned to discuss with the council.

“The awareness overall has got better around waste, but more needs to be done,” she said.

“People are willing to get involved and play their part. Going forward it would be great to involve schools with the projects to educate people from a younger age.”