Blackpool's deputy leader makes litter promise after '˜horrifying' pictures

The pictures, taken by local photographer Gavin Stanfield, show empty disposable cups, milk bottles, and even dirty nappies scattered across the sand and Prom steps, close to Central Pier.

They were widely shared online, with the council later saying: “We’ve seen some images on Facebook showing a horrifying amount of litter on the beach.”

Now, deputy council leader Gillian Campbell said more action is set to be taken against litterbugs – just weeks after posing with the prestigious blue flag on Blackpool south beach.

The beach at Blackpool north, opposite the Tower, Blackpool central beach, and Bispham beach have also been given Seaside Award status.

Coun Campbell said: “Littering is one of the biggest bug bears for a lot of people in Blackpool – myself included.

“Our staff work extremely hard clearing up the mess left behind by people who don’t put their rubbish in the bin and it’s absolutely unacceptable.

“In this particular case, our officers were out clearing the beach as soon as possible.”

She continued: “There is no good reason to drop litter as it not only makes the town look messy, but it also costs the taxpayer to clean it up.

“There are plenty of bins on the Promenade for people to use and, even if a bin is full, then people should be taking their litter to another bin or even taking it home with them, as opposed to just dropping it on the ground.

“It’s clear that a lot of people will want more to be done around enforcement and fining people who drop litter.

“A strategy for our campaign with Keep Britain Tidy to make Blackpool the cleanest seaside resort in the UK is taking place at the moment, and an announcement will be made shortly about how we plan to tackle the issue.”

A volunteer litter pick will be held from 10am on Suinday, starting at the lifeboat station opposite theSealife Centre, LOVEmyBEACH said.