'Shame on them' - the shocking amount of rubbish left on Sunderland beaches after people enjoy hot weather during lockdown

Piles of rubbish, including bottles, cans and food containers, were left strewn across Roker and Seaburn beaches on Thursday, May 21, following the hot weather of the previous day.

Photos captured by Echo reader Vijay Kritzinger, showed the extent of the amount of litter abandoned by those who had enjoyed a day at the beach during the relaxed lockdown restrictions.

A Sea Shepherd UK volunteer, Vijay was compelled to carry out a litter pick on both beaches in the early hours of May 21, collecting four bin bags full of rubbish.

The dedicated volunteer from Washington, goes out three times a week collecting litter in a bid to help Sunderland Council during the pandemic.

Vijay said: “As a Sea Shepherd volunteer, myself and other volunteers try organise official picks every weekend.

“Until then we encourage folk to stop littering and to take a bin liner down and pick stuff up themselves, as marine debris is endangering our marine life, dolphins, seals, porpoises and other wildlife.

“My heart goes out to the council workers who are desperately trying to keep up with the litter people are leaving behind currently.”

Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Amy Wilson said the council has been forced to issue dozens of penalty notices of up to £150 for people who drop litter in recent months.

Coun Wilson said: “Covid-19 or not, it’s just not on for people to leave their waste and rubbish lying around like this.

“Shame on them.

“Why do they think this is acceptable behaviour?

“The council issues penalty notices of up to £150 for people who drop litter and we’ve issued dozens of these in recent months.

“And if the notices are ignored the court penalties can be even more costly.

“Officers are already on the seafront reminding people about their responsibilities and it’s dreadful that there’s a minority who can’t manage these very simple tasks of taking some care, effort and responsibility for their actions.

“Thanks again to all the people that do care. Please stay safe.”

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