Barkby beach area to undergo litter pick

A litter pick is set to tackle marine littering on a popular section of Prestatyn shoreline this month.

Fresh from tackling beach areas near the East Nova carpark last month, Denbighshire County Council’s Flood Risk Team is organising a second event to cover areas from Barkby Beach car park.

The beach clean will take place on February 16 from 3pm until 4pm. Those who want to support the marine litter pick are welcome to join at the upper Barkby car park by 3pm.

Thanks to the support of volunteers who stepped forward last month, 22 bags of marine litter were removed from the sands and areas around the Nova in January. The event was also supported by Keep Wales Tidy also provided some of the litter picking equipment.

Marine litter can block up waterways and drainage, stopping the flow of water, leading to higher risks of localised flooding further upstream.

Getting marine litter off the beaches can provide stronger help also to natural defences as shorelines, dunes and seagrass beds are more able to maintain their natural function as defences against the sea.

Claudia Smith, Coastal Erosion and Flood Risk Officer, said: “The volunteers who joined us last month did an amazing job removing the marine litter from areas near the Nova. We want to this time concentrate on the stretch from Barkby Beach car park as we know more marine litter tends to wash up this side which can contribute to local flooding and damage the environment and wildlife as well.”

Councillor Barry Mellor, Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and the Environment, said: “Managing the risk of localised flooding from the impact of marine litter washing up on our beaches is vitally important to protect properties from floods. It’s also better for the wellbeing of our residents and those who visit these areas and the wildlife found on these beaches, I would encourage people who feel like they can make a difference to join in.”

For further details contact claudia.smith@denbighshire.gov.uk/ 07785517398