A CLAMPDOWN on litter in Christchurch is forging ahead thanks to a number of organised beach cleans and litter picks.

The Litter Free Coast and Sea Campaign was launched earlier this year by the council to try and keep the areas around beaches and riversides clean and tidy.

Since then a number of beach cleans have taken place, including at Friars Cliff beach and Christchurch Quay by local businesses and volunteer groups.

As well as councillors and members of the local police collecting 10 black bags of rubbish at Christchurch Quay, Christchurch Lifesaving Club organised a beach clean at Friars Cliff Beach in March and there are events scheduled in May by employees from Marks and Spencer stores in Bournemouth and Poole at Avon Beach and Mudeford Quay.

The 5th Christchurch (Highcliffe) Cubs and Beavers will be cleaning Highcliffe Beach later in May while Highcliffe Nyeri Explorer Scouts will be holding a conservation day litter-picking at a number of sites including Highcliffe Cliff Top, Chewton Bunny, Mudeford Quay, Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre and Stanpit cycle path.

Burton Beavers will be cleaning Highcliffe Beach in July. On July 8 there will be a Summer Beach Litter Survey at Friars Cliff Beach when members of the public will be invited to take part.

Anyone wishing to help is invited to meet at the wave wall below Steamer Point car park at 10.30am.

If any other groups or organisations would like to get involved in keeping the beaches and coastline of Christchurch free from litter contact the Open Spaces team at Christchurch Council on 01202 495229 or email <&bh"mailto:beaches@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk">beaches@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk<&eh>.

Advice and equipment will be provided.