A NEW campaign to keep Christchurch’s beaches and coast free from litter has begun.

The Litter Free Coast and Sea Christchurch crusade is being organised by the council to encourage residents to help stop the constant problem of rubbish on the local beaches.

Regular beach cleans are held on Friars Cliff beach and the latest one, held last weekend, collected 1,646 items of litter – most common of which was plastic.

Abi Meharg, beaches and open spaces officer at Christchurch council said: “If people are spending a day at the beach, then we’re asking them to follow the three Bs to help stop litter collecting.”

These are: l Bags – use and reuse bags for life to carry snacks.

l Bins – put rubbish in a bin or take it home.

l Bottles – use the recycling points at Mudeford Quay, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe Castle Beach and Highcliffe Beach for plastic bottles used or found on the beach.

“We’re also encouraging people to organise a group of willing volunteers to help litter pick on one of our beaches. We’ll provide advice and any equipment needed”, Abi added.

Christchurch resident Bev Miller who set up a volunteer group – Chritters (Christchurch Litterpickers) in 2010 said: “It’s a good idea for any campaign to highlight the problems of litter.”

Although the group has not met recently, Bev said the loyal volunteers who attended were the type of people who picked up items of rubbish and litter anyway and were continuing to do so.

Bev added: “I think the problem of litter really infuriates people because it is so lazy. There are so many bins about and if you are on the beach – take it home.”

To arrange a date for a group to hold an event on one of the beaches in the borough contact the team on 01202 495229 or email beaches@christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk.

We’re backing the clean-up

Jeff Evans, 58, who lives in Tuckton said: “I think it’s a great idea.

“It affects different sections of the beach at different times. But the councils do seem to work quite hard to rectify the situation.

Jo Smith, owner and manager of The Beach Hut at Friars Cliff said: “I am in full support of this.

“I spoke to Abi at the council about getting children involved, which I think would encourage more responsible behaviour.

“If families take part from the area, it could be really positive.

Val Morris, who lives in Mudeford said: “It’s a very good idea.

“We have got such a lovely area here it was time there was a proper approach to tackle it.

“It’s just frustrating. There are so many bins about. It doesn’t need to happen.”