CLOSE UP with: Peninsula beach clean up volunteers waging war against litter tossers

Nub News gets UP CLOSE with Peninsula Beach Clean Up group organiser Lauren Hammond who talks about litter tossers, starting a social media group and attracting more volunteers.

A peninsula mum who got so upset with the amount of rubbish she saw on our beaches and verges has taken direct action by starting a litter clearing group to help tackle the problem.

Armed with grabbers, bags and determined enthusiasm, Lauren Hammond , formed the Peninsula Beach Clean Ups group and have already had successful morning with a band of like-minded volunteers clearing up at the Strand.

"I am quite literally fed up with the amount of litter being either thrown out of cars or just dropped," said Lauren. "It is ruining our countryside and also wildlife."

Lauren, a division manager for a construction recruitment company, has already organised another clear up day for Sunday May 30, again down at the Strand, but she believes more can be done to prevent the litter louts in the first place.

"I believe it would help massively if there were number plate recognition cameras for the litter tossers in cars who are parked up, although I know it's costly," said Lauren. "Fines are the only way to deter these people or even threaten the closure of the lay-bys there. Maybe more patrolling by police etc, we found lots of needles which would suggest people sit there and do drugs also.

"I feel like more is needed to be done not just around the peninsula but everywhere with regards to rubbish. I know you can take a horse to water but people really need to know the impacts of chucking things out of their car window or leaving rubbish for someone else to clean up.

More care should be taken and consideration for the people who are willing to clean up rubbish."

The 30-year-old mum of an 11-year-old daughter, grew up on the peninsula, is usually playing a piano. or enjoying boxing in her spare time, but has vowed to devote a couple of Sundays each month clearing up all parts of what is largely an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Harkstead, Wherstead, Holbrook, Erwarton and Shotley.

She has had some support from the district council and urges others to email them at [email protected] to obtain a litter picking kit, which will be sent to your home.

Lauren added: "Babergh have been great, their public realm department can provide individuals with litter pickers, bags, high-vis and a bag holder for free if you contact them."

Details of the next litter pick can be found here...

Anyone wishing to join the Peninsula beach clean ups should go to the Facebook group here...

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