Party of Wales Gwynedd Councillors' Group

Gwynedd Maritime Officers will soon help tackle beach litter, thanks an idea raised by ​​a Plaid Cymru Gwynedd Councillor.

Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams, who represents Barmouth residents, says there is great concerns locally about the mess that is left on our beaches which in turn litters our landscape and threatens our natural environment.

“It's a topic that is high on the agenda, thanks to the David Attenborough TV series that focused on waste within our seas and its impact on marine life worldwide.

"Here in Barmouth it is an increasing problem. But we are keen to work with the community and partner agencies to look at a number of ways to try and tackle this problem.

Locally, individuals and volunteers have cleared tonnes of rubbish off Ardudwy beaches during this season.

"As we are in the midst of the holiday period and a bank holiday week, visitors that are so crucial to our local economy are surging to the area, so this is an opportunity for us to raise awareness about the forthcoming changes to local people, businesses and partners.”

During Gwynedd Council's community scrutiny committee recently, Councillor Gethin Glyn Williams proposed that the Council's Maritime Officers receive the necessary equipment and training to teach and enforce penalties for illegal littering on Gwynedd beaches and around the seaside towns.

“Obviously this will be one element of their work, but it will be an important element as they work in their seaside communities. Like all councils across Wales, Gwynedd is facing major financial cuts due to pressure from the Welsh Labour Government in Cardiff. If Plaid Cymru in Gwynedd can think outside the box, and offer a valuable service to our communities in a different way, then we will do it.

“Litter is one of the most popular topics that arises when we discuss issues with our constituents. We all need to work to reduce the use of plastic, to recycle more and to consider before buying non-biodegradable products,” said Councillor Williams.

Gwynedd Cabinet member for highways and municipal, Councillor Gareth Griffiths said: “As Plaid Cymru Councillors, we firmly believe that there is a need to ensure a clean and prosperous environment here in Gwynedd. Our communities are the ones that drive us, and as a Councillor that’s in touch with his residents, I also hear the messages regarding the problems litter creates.

“I'm pleased that we have a team of active and professional staff who are ready to face this new challenge and take on this task in their day to day roles. I also strongly believe that we need to educate and advise people who drop litter, hand in hand with enforcement. We need an element of common sense whilst we challenge and change people's mindset and we need to remind everyone to play their part in keeping our streets, pavements, beaches and fields clean and tidy.”