Daytrippers blamed for litter left on Blackpool and St Annes' beaches

The relaxation of lockdown rules and sunny weather are said to have played a part in the number of people visiting the area as well as the rubbish left on the beaches.

Gavin Breakell, a 39-year-old freelance photographer who cleans litter on Blackpool’s beach several times a week, said he has picked up ‘all sorts of items’ within the last week.

Gavin,who lives on Whitegate Drive, said: “Among other things I have collected clothes, bucket and spades, footballs, bottles, cans, needles and loads of takeaway bags and burger boxes.

“Just these last couple of days it has been quite bad but other than that the beaches have been superb.

“It’s not local residents, it’s tourists that are doing this. If it was residents, the beaches would be a mess all the time.”

Blackpool Council said it was ‘a real disappointment’ seeing the litter on resort’s beaches.

A spokesman for the council said: “We’ve seen several photos circulating on social media in regards to rubbish left on our beaches and public spaces recently.

“After seeing the town and coastline look so clean and tidy the last couple of months - this is a real disappointment. Take your litter home or dispose of it, there’s no excuse not to keep Blackpool tidy.

Emily Parr from environmental group Fylde LOVEmyBEACH said the only thing that should be left on beaches are footprints.

She added: “Council services are stretched and unfortunately some bins are filling up faster than they can be emptied.

“If you see an overflowing bin, please don’t add to the pile. Instead take your litter home.

“We aren’t doing any beach cleans at the moment so any litter left behind will end up in the ocean.”