Originally published at: https://hornseacommunitynews.uk/news/massive-spring-beach-clean/
The organisers had hoped to attract 100 people to the Big Spring Beach Clean which was part of a nationwide initiative by Surfers Against Sewage on Sunday 15 April. However, the sun shone and an estimated 300 people turned out to give our beach a thoroughly good makeover. After an hour of collecting everyone returned with their bin liners full to be rewarded with a free drink and snacks, courtesy of the Smile Foundation. (Apologies to those who missed out- the numbers were greater than the budget!)
Many people had already put a great deal of effort into cleaning the central part of the beach since the storms last month had washed up so much debris and so this time the focus was on the North and South ends with collectors splitting into two groups. Even so there was no shortage of rubbish to be collected with huge quantities of debris from fishing boats and fishing reel. Perhaps some awareness raising among fishermen is still needed?
Paul Parry the Plastic Free Community Leader for Surfers Against Sewage was delighted with the response from local people and stressed that the project isn’t just about trying to rid our beaches of rubbish but also about bringing the community together. He thanked everyone for their help as well as Kenny Harrison from ERYC who provided materials and arranged for the Council to collect the rubbish. There will be another community beach clean in the autumn entitled ‘The Awesome Autumn Beach Clean’. In the meantime the ‘Plastic Free Hornsea’ steering group will be working towards achieving ‘Plastic Free’ status for the town. This involves persuading the Town Council, businesses and organisations to commit to removing single use plastics from their premises. The Smile Foundation and Let’s Go Hornsea are also working on obtaining funding for other measures such as providing litter picking kits on the sea front for those who wish to collect rubbish of their own accord.
News of Hornsea’s efforts is spreading fast and Paul has already been approached by Councillor David Elvidge, the ex- Mayor of Beverley, who is keen to launch something similar there.
If you would like to do more and become involved please contact Paul- email: [email protected]