Disgust at rubbish left on Benone beach

Disgust has been expressed at the volume of rubbish left on Benone beach on the hottest day of the year, writes Sheena Jackson.
Bags of rubbish at Benone.  Photo: Aerial Vision NIBags of rubbish at Benone.  Photo: Aerial Vision NI
Bags of rubbish at Benone. Photo: Aerial Vision NI

Chairs, plastic bottles, food containers and bags of dog poo are just some of what was left strewn along the beach on Tuesday. One local man captured the volume of rubbish on camera, posting photos on his Facebook page, Aerial Vision NI.

“The pictures showed hundreds enjoying the great weather and all that Benone Beach has to offer,” he posted, “but, I must draw your attention to what happened when the sun set and most had left the beach to return home with great memories. I don’t understand why it could not be taken home as it was actually brought here! Not washed up on the tide. Share if you feel this is a disgrace that so many have disregard for not only the environment, but for our own Blue Flag Beach.”

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Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council use a mechanical cleaner seven days a week to clean Benone beach as well as, during the summer months, three wardens who manually collect and dispose of rubbish.

“On this particular day, due to the weather, the beach attracted many more visitors,” said a spokesperson. “Unfortunately this led to an increase in rubbish left behind. Council then had to commit more staff to the clean-up. Council work hard to maintain the beach and the excellent nearby tourist facilities and would appeal to the public to place their rubbish in the bins provided, or take it home. As a Blue Flag beach, we would ask the public to respect this fantastic natural attraction, and the many other tourist attractions along the north coast. Please leave the beach as you would wish to find it.”