RESIDENTS have criticised litter left on Bournemouth beach after more than 55,000 people descended on the area yesterday.
According to BCP Council, approximately 25,000 to 35,000 people were at Bournemouth beach on Friday with thousands more filling Mudeford Sandbank, Alum Chine and Southbourne beaches.
However, the scene this morning has been described as “utter ruin” by one resident who took a walk on the beach with his wife at around 7am and says pictures “don’t show the real scale” of litter left strewn across the coastal spot.
Ben Duddington said: “From peace and beauty to absolute carnage. From Branksome Chine to Alum Chine the beach was clean [and] peaceful.
“When we started to approach Bournemouth though the beach was in utter ruin, I don’t think the pictures give the true scope for the utter disregard people had for our area yesterday.
“The scary thing is, as it was a normal working day most of this is likely from local people. There are so many huge bins along the prom but even those were overflowing.
He added: “It was in a hell of a state. My pictures don’t show the real scale. So angry.”
One woman, who was visiting the area with her family took it upon herself to pick up litter on Saturday morning. She said: “We booked a week away and drove down yesterday (Friday). I love walking along the beach in the mornings when we're away, watching the sun rise over the sea. This morning was a completely different experience though.”
A section on the BCP Council website regarding seafront litter reads: “Our beach cleansing teams operate throughout the year clearing the beach.
“This summer 400 triple sized bins are being installed on the seafront. Littering threatens other people’s safety and local wildlife. Put rubbish in the bin, take it home and leave only footprints or risk a maximum fine of £150.”
As well as the huge footfall on Friday, 651 deck chairs, 189 parasols and 325 sunbeds were rented in the area as temperatures soared to 27C on what was the hottest day of the year so far.
Thousands more people are expected to visit Bournemouth this weekend.
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