Dog death prompts litter plea

Three-year-old dog Bandit died after eating two corn on the cob centres which had been left on the beach following a barbecue, owner Nolan Holmes reported on social media.

Mr Holmes posted that the loss of Bandit had left the family heartbroken and added: “This is what happens when you don’t pick up litter. Please share this far and wide. We don’t want sympathy - we want to hope whoever did it did it sees this and learns.”

Mr Holmes was unavailable for further comment but Tracey Hope, who has been leading weekly litter picks on the beach in recent weeks following a pile of rubbish being left by visitors as lockdown was eased earlier this summer, said:

“It’s such a sad story, and condolences to the family for the loss of their family pet, which, could have been avoidable.

“This is just one example of why we need to remove ALL our rubbish from the beach.

“We are finding barbecues that have been burried. The sand moves and these are uncovered. Lytham St Annes attracts thousands of visitors each year. We want it to be a safe environment for all, our children and pets and yours.

“We ask all visitors, please, take all your rubbish off the beach and put it in a bin, and if you can’t fit it in please find another or take it home.”

Mr Menzies said: “This is a dreadful incident, caused by utterly thoughtless people. I saw first-hand the mess left behind by visitors when coronavirus regulations were relaxed. It was unacceptable.

“There is an open space barbecue ban in Fylde and this is another reason why that ban should remain in place. Along with the litter and potential damage, we now have a family mourning their pet.

“The message is simple. Do not barbecue on Fylde’s open spaces, and do not leave any litter – the consequences can be devastating.”

Barbecues on the beach and other public areas have been banned in Fylde since last summer. Littering enforcement has also recently been stepped up.