After a busy weekend in Dorset which resulted in a lot of piles of rubbish left on its beaches, a campaign has been launched to keep our coastline clean.

Following reports of the huge amount of litter on Dorset’s beaches this weekend, local initiatives Litter Free Coast and Sea and Litter Free Dorset have joined forces in their call fro residents and visitors to help keep Dorset Clean.

Matilda Manley, of Litter free Coast and Sea, said: “We were struck by some of the photos we saw that were taken by locals living within walking distance of beaches across Dorset during lockdown.

“In normal circumstances over the Easter holidays and during glorious weather like we have been experiencing, we would sadly expect to see huge amounts of food and drink related litter on some of our beaches. Now that lockdown is easing, we have been seeing litter levels increase.

“Through the campaign we want to show people how spotless these beaches were during lock down and ask people to help #keepitclean by taking their litter home.

“Many of us really missed visiting the beach during lock down, me included, so let’s show our beaches the love they deserve and #keepitclean.”

Photos were published on social media of a big pile of rubbish by a bin on West Bay’s East Beach as well as photos of bottles discarded on various west Dorset beaches.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Sophie Colley for Litter Free Dorset said: “Litter Free Dorset’s volunteers can’t take part in the usual monthly litter picks currently, so we are asking everyone to do their bit to #keepitclean.

“We have seen an increase in littered PPE which is polluting our water ways as well as barbecue related litter which can cause devastating wildfires. Please take your litter home.”

The Litter Free teams are asking for your support by taking litter home, use a bin, or pack a litter free picnic and a flask of coffee for your next outing.

People are also encouraged to share photos taken of Dorset spots they were able to visit responsibly during lockdown on social media using the hashtag #keepitclean and to tag the Litter Free Dorset and Litter Free Coast and Sea social media accounts.