Rubbish plagues West Country hotspots following a sunny weekend as lockdown eases

Communities across the West Country have been left with rubbish abandoned by people enjoying themselves in the sun.

Disposable barbecues, cans, bottles and wrappers were strewn across green spaces and coast lines throughout the region as lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Despite desperate pleas from councils and environmental groups, locals were left tidying up for visitors across the South West.

Cornwall Council's message is 'if the bin is full, look for another or take your rubbish home'.

This came after dozens of images surfaced on social media platforms of overflowing bins at beauty hotspots.

The following picture was posted on Twitter by Plastic Free PZ, a page promoting a plastic free Penzance, with the caption 'It's great to be back out on the beach. But this? Heartbreaking to come out of lockdown & see such impact. PLEASE take rubbish home We'll resume beach cleans ASAP - but should it be up to us? (And no, it isn't the council's job either)'.

Despite desperate pleas from councils and environmental groups, locals were left tidying up for visitors across the South West. Credit: Plastic Free PZ

In Weston-super-Mare, a 19-year-old was so saddened and shocked by the state of the beach there that she decided to start litter picking.

Molly Williams who is from Weston-super-Mare, collected nearly ten big bags full of waste with the help of her mum and mum's friend.

All the litter was left and discarded by beach goers in the area.

Molly Williams who is from Weston-super-Mare, collected nearly ten big bags full of waste with the help of her mum and mum's friend. Credit: Molly Williams
All the litter was left and discarded by beach goers in the area. Credit: Molly Williams

In Bristol this weekend, videos show masses of rubbish left behind at the Harbourside by people enjoying the sun.

It is a popular spot in the city when the sun is shining and with the lockdown easing, people have been flocking there to enjoy the nice weather.

While most appear to stick to social distancing guidelines and clean up their rubbish, there are concerns that not everyone is.

In Dorset, along the Jurassic Coast, locals took in upon themselves to clear up after the day visitors at Durdle Door.

Pictures show what looks to be hundreds of bags, all full with rubbish collected from the beach.

Pictures show what looks to be hundreds of bags, all full with rubbish collected from the beach. Credit: Project Planet
In Dorset, along the Jurassic Coast, locals took in upon themselves to clear up after the day visitors at Durdle Door. Credit: Project Planet