Sad scenes on Morecambe beach as resident picks up 25 bags of rubbish left by 'irresponsible' visitors

The situation in Morecambe mirrors many other examples across the country of people not taking responsibility for their waste.
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It was 5.30am on Friday June 26 as Morecambe resident Ruth Wilkinson headed out to take in the early morning views across the bay.

But instead of finding the usual stunning vistas the town is internationally renowned for, Ruth was faced with a huge mess as people decided to leave their rubbish strewn across the beach and promenade.

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She spent two hours cleaning up the mess, collecting 25 bags of cans, bottles, drink cartons, broken glass and food wrappers left by visitors to the beach and promenade.

The beach in Morecambe on Friday morning.The beach in Morecambe on Friday morning.
The beach in Morecambe on Friday morning.

The hot weather on Thursday brought thousands of people to the beach Morecambe.

And while it is assumed most respected the environment, many others decided to leave their waste behind when they headed home.

Ruth said: "Leaving home at 5.30am, I wanted to get the best of the stunning views we had, but unfortunately, as I got to the beach, I was stunned by the mess that had been left.

"It was early, and the council hadn't started work.

Rubbish was strewn across the beach and promenade in Morecambe.Rubbish was strewn across the beach and promenade in Morecambe.
Rubbish was strewn across the beach and promenade in Morecambe.

"I couldn't just leave it.

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"So with gloves on, I got to work and cleared the beach for two hours.

"I ended up filling 25 refuse bags of cans, bottles, drink cartons, food wrappers etc.

"I just wanted to get it cleaned up and ready for people to enjoy.

People paid little regard to their environment, leaving their waste behind.People paid little regard to their environment, leaving their waste behind.
People paid little regard to their environment, leaving their waste behind.

"We understand as residents of Morecambe that people want to visit us, and we love that people want to come and spend their time at the beach, we need visitors for our local economy, but we also need a safe beach to enjoy.

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"I'm not the only person that helps on the beach, while it was only me this morning, many residents regularly help out too.

"I have received some really lovely thank you's from people since the photos went onto social media and I am very grateful.

"What would be great if that if everyone committed to helping by taking home their rubbish or placing it in one of the many bins that are located on the prom.

Cleaning up someone else's mess.Cleaning up someone else's mess.
Cleaning up someone else's mess.

"That way we keep in safe for all the families, visitors and local people to enjoy."

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John O'Neill, manager of Morecambe Business Improvement District (BID) said: "It's very disappointing to see people disrespect public areas such as beaches like this.

"The promenade isn't lacking in bins and it's very easy for people to take responsibility for their own rubbish.

"During lockdown it was noticeable how little rubbish there was around but now it seems a minority of irresponsible people are making up for that in double time.

"Kudos to Ruth for doing something that she shouldn't have to have done if people bore a little more responsibility for their actions."

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