'Significant amount' of microplastics washing up on Fylde coast shores

Microplastics are byproducts of plastic pollution in our seas, which can come from a variety of materials including bottles, plastic bags and synthetic clothing.

The presence of microplastics, both in the sea and on shores, can cause severe harm to marine wildlife which may accidentally swallow them, ingesting toxic pollutants.

Environment campaign group LOVEmyBEACH, part of Keep Britain Tidy, were concerned about the effects the microplastics washing up on Fylde coast shores would have on our wildlife species, particularly on Wyre beaches.

Emily Parr, Fylde beach care officer, said: "LOVEmyBEACH are aware of significant levels of microplastics washing up on Fylde Coast beaches, particularly around the tide lines. The first reports came in on Thursday and unfortunately we are still receiving new reports daily.

"The most significant amounts have been found around Rossall Beach. However, we also have reports at Fleetwood, Norbreck, Central and South Blackpool and St Annes beaches.

"We are extremely concerned about this pollution incident as microplastics pose a significant danger to wildlife, who might mistake the fragments for food.

"LOVEmyBEACH are working alongside the local councils, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, Living Seas North West and Wyre Rivers Trust to investigate a potential source and ensure this does not happen again.

"We are asking the public to share any images and reports of sightings to the LOVEmyBEACH social media pages, to help us build a log of the incident."

The pollution may have potentially been at sea for some time before being washed up due to recent stormy weather, but investigations are underway to find out exactly where the plastics came from.

Wyre Council said it would also be monitoring the situation, and patrolling the beaches in partnership with LOVEmyBEACH.