Fifteen bags of litter removed during Barkby beach clean-up

Secondary school pupils in Prestatyn joined efforts to remove litter from Barkby beach.

They were among 38 volunteers to take part in an event aimed at reducing marine litter, which can stop the flow of water by blocking waterways and drainage. This increases the risk of localised flooding further upstream.

The event was organised by Denbighshire County Council’s Flood Risk Team in partnership with TYFU Prestatyn and the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean. Equipment was supplied by Keep Wales Tidy.

Overall, the volunteers collected 15 bags of litter from the Prestayn coastal area, totalling 24kg in weight.

Items found included bike handlebars, a camping chair, pipes, frying pans, a kite and even a pink croc shoe.

Claudia Smith, Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Officer, said: “It was great to have the Prestatyn High pupils with us this time. They worked hard with all of us to address the impact of marine litter on this part of the Prestatyn coast which can block waterways and drainage, halt the flow of water and lead to higher risks of localised flooding further upstream.

“Their efforts to get this litter off the beach also helps natural defences such as shorelines, dunes and seagrass beds, as they are able to better maintain their natural function as defences against the sea.

Cllr James Elson, lead member for Environment and Transport added: “This partnership led by the Council’s Flood Risk team has become important to lessening the impact of marine litter on our coast line from Rhyl to Prestatyn.

“I would like to thank everyone for their continuing work to support this environment and especially the pupils who joined in this time as they can be proud of supporting efforts to protect this habitat for both local residents and nature.”