FINNIE DISAPPOINTED BY CONDITION OF HELENSBURGH BEACH

Written by Ross Finnie on Wed 8th Apr 2009

FINNIE DISAPPOINTED BY CONDITION OF HELENSBURGH BEACH

West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie was disappointed to read East Bay in Helensburgh was still amongst the worst rubbish strewn beaches in Scotland according to figures published by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS)

A total of 55,041 litter items were collected on 52 Scottish beaches, on average 2,581.4 items of litter/km were found, more than the UK average of 2,195/km although this represented a 5.37% decrease in density levels compared to 2007 (2,727.8/km).

The overall litter density figure falls to 2,219.6/km when data from East Bay and Clynder beaches are removed.

Commenting Mr Finnie said:

"Over a year ago I raised the issue of the unsatisfactory nature of Helensburgh's shorefront due to rubbish and pollution and I am disappointed to see a year later there has been almost no improvement.

"Although I was pleased a fault in the sewerage in the area was finally located and Scottish Water has made promises to upgrade the treatment infrastructure as a result. Much more still has to be done to fix the problems at East Bay.

"The public has to do more to protect our beaches as 37.5% of the litter on Scotland's beaches comes from public litter. East Bay is a vital part of Helensburgh which could be polluted beyond repair, if we do not all start working together to tackle the problem of marine litter."

Ends

Notes to Editors

More information can be found on the Marin Conservation Society Website.

http://www.mcsuk.org/mcs2/beachwatch/what_we_found_out