Fifteen BBQ bins aim to help keep our beaches safer

For the busy summer months, the Council has been stepping-up its beach litter collections and increasing the number of bins available for people to get rid of their rubbish responsibly.

Fifteen new red bins for disposable BBQs are being set up at popular Council-owned beaches in time for the Whitsun half-term, most of which are already in place and being used.

It means there is no excuse for people to leave their litter and rubbish lying around at the beach this summer.

Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community said it is the responsibility of those who head for the beach to dispose of their waste responsibly and take it home with them if the bins are full.

He said it would help keep everyone safe on the beach but especially children who might not notice a dumped disposable BBQ lying around or not realise how hot they can be.

He said: "Anyone who thinks that it's OK to bury bottles, BBQs or any other waste in the sand on a day out is simply wrong. This irresponsible and antisocial behaviour can present serious hazards to other beach users.

"We've invested thousands of pounds installing permanent BBQ waste bins and associated signage at places like Port Eynon, Horton, Caswell and Langland with more to come at Rotherslade and along Swansea Prom where five have been added already.

"So there's no longer any excuse for anyone just dumping their disposable BBQs on the beach as they head for home. BBQs and charcoal retain their heat for hours after they've been finished with and can cause serious burns for people who accidentally step on them."

In addition to bins, the Council's cleansing team is putting up signs on beaches looked after by the Council urging people to do the right thing and get rid of their disposable BBQs responsibly.

The Council's beach cleansing teams also clean the beaches every morning during the summer and throughout the day. They are often supported by volunteers who also want to see pristine-clean beaches. Additional teams also target littering hotspots at the busiest times.

But Cllr Anderson said that while the Council is playing its part, visitors must as well. He said: "Yes, we have bins in place, yes there are signs on beaches warning people about litter and yes the Council is actively cleaning-up beaches.

"Whatever people bring to the beach with them, they are ultimately responsible for taking their litter and waste home or by using the bins provided by the Council. People should do the right thing every time."

A list of beaches where the disposable BBQ bins are located:

Langland Bay - 2

Port Eynon

Horton

Rotherslade

Locations on Swansea Bay between West Pier and Mumbles, including

Swansea Point playground car park entrance to beach

Top of the Civic Centre steps near the beach

Bay View slip

Steps by Secret car park opposite Victoria Park

Near the Secret

Brynmill Lane Slip

Just above Clyne stream near the Footgolf attraction

Blackpill, one at each end of the picnic area