A proactive solution is needed to solve the problems of littering on Barry Island beach, according to local Conservatives and business owners in the area.
Soaring temperatures earlier in the summer saw the welcome sight of a packed beach on the Island, but with that came the rather more unwelcome scenes of discarded rubbish strewn across the sands.
Chip-shop owner Craig O’Shea, whose family have operated on the Island since the end of the Second World War, tweeted photographs of the appalling mess at the time and asked the Council to sort it out. with the caption “Why do people leave the beach in such a mess?”
However, he was less than impressed when controversial Cabinet Member Lis Burnett tweeted a reply blaming traders for the mess and suggesting a Barry Island fish and chips ban.
Craig has now joined forces with Vale MP Alun Cairns and South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies to call for more signs urging people not to litter, as well as more bins to help them keep the beach tidy.
Andrew RT Davies said, “The glorious sight of a packed beach on a hot summer’s day is exactly the sort of thing we want to see on Barry Island. The economic potential of the area is huge, but that won’t be helped by the disgusting scenes of rubbish spread across the beach.
“We all need to work together to make sure this doesn’t happen again. We need to help people keep the Island clean, and so more bins and signs will be a big help. Littering is always unacceptable, but that way there can be no excuse whatsoever.
“Craig and his fellow traders are obviously keen to play a part in that. After voluntarily giving up his alcohol licence a few years ago to stop anti-social behaviour, it is clear he wants what’s best for the Island. We don’t need a Council Cabinet Member making irresponsible snipes – instead we want a constructive solution.”
Alun Cairns added, “Barry Island’s status as South Wales’ number one tourist destination means that there will always be a lot for the Council to do in terms of keeping the beaches clean and tidy. Usually, they do a good job of this when the beaches have emptied of visitors, but concerns remain about the amount of litter allowed to build up during busy days.
“I welcome the new practice of telling people to pick up their litter over the tannoy system, and would like to see this approach coupled with more ‘beach bins’ along Whitmore Bay.
“Crucially, the local authority must work with the Island’s traders instead of allowing one of it’s more controversial Cabinet Members to make bizarre, unprovoked social media threats to chip shop owners.”