BOURNEMOUTH beach has a new sculpture to help raise awareness of litter left behind by visitors on Dorset shores.

The temporary installation, which is one of four structures in Dorset, depicts a takeaway box, plastic cutlery and a single use plastic bottle made out of wood, with signage teaching people about the repercussions of plastic pollution and its effects on local wildlife.

It marks the end of eighteen months of plastic surgeries done between Litter Free Coast and Sea and Dorset Food and Drink and local business about changing the behaviour of business when it comes to using plastic products.

Katharine Wright, Dorset Food and Drink coordinator, said: “The initial project was to get local businesses to convert to plastic free alternatives when it came to items they had on offer and the packaging they used.

“We wanted to present what we have done and also show what the public can do in a way which catches people’s attention. We are proud of the work that has been done so far and of the businesses that have taken part.

“The businesses have done their bit, now it is time for members of the public to do their bit."

It is one of four models across the county designed by artist Jack Raisey, the others located at Weymouth, Lyme Regis and West Bay. The project was devised by Litter Free Coast and Sea and Dorset Food and Drink, with the support of The Great British Coast, The Arts Development Company and Leave Only Footprints.

Having spoken to visitors to the beach, many people were in support of the beach’s new feature and the message it was sharing.

One man from Ireland said: “I think the sculpture looks very good and, as for the message, it is not something that is optional. The next generation are the ones who will have to deal with the current plastic problem and the message is clear for them to understand.

A local lady said: “I think the design is really nice, but I think the message is a bit lost. It would be good if was someone here manning it and providing more information. It needs to be more in your face."

A man on holiday from London said: “It is very informative, and it is good that it is one of s series of sculptures along the south coast. However, with the lid of the box down, it is not very clear was it is."

“It gives a very clear message that everyone can understand, and it adds to the attractions on the seafront," said a lady from Poole.

The temporary structures are due to be in place for the next weeks of the summer holiday. The organisation has already been contacted by community groups that would like to take them on afterwards.

The sculptures are decorated to represent the geology of the area, showing that the fossils of tomorrow may be the plastic litter we release today. There are key campaign messages to help steer pupil away from using single use plastics and suggest choices alternative choices to combat the impact plastic, and our waste, is having on our local environment and our planet.

The project is part of the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio of 18 projects along the Dorset Coast, which aims to support and boost the economies of Dorset’s coastal areas.