A new campaign aimed to clean up the beach area in Port Erin has been launched today by Port Erin Commissioners. 

The campaign is based upon models used in other jurisdictions which was developed following research which found that 42% of young people aged 18-24 admit to leaving litter after visiting the beach. Following one-month trials at three locations in the UK litter on the beaches reduced by an average of 26% and up to 59% at one location. There was also a 55% reduction in the number of times someone was observed leaving rubbish next to or on top of a bin. 

Chairman Godfrey Egee, said, “This campaign is all about keeping our beach clean and welcoming for residents and visitors.
 

“We know that most beach users do clean up after themselves but those few who don’t blight the area for everyone else. 

“This campaign aims to highlight to beach users that it’s their responsibility to get rid of their waste and leaving it for others is just not acceptable. We need residents and visitors to help us keep Port Erin clean and encourage them to report those who are not.

“We receive numerous complaints every year about waste left on the beach and promenade. We all need to look after the areas that we live in, and this campaign is about encouraging irresponsible beach users to change their ways!”

Mr Egee concluded, “We have increased the overall waste capacity along the beach by 400% for this summer, so there really is no excuse to not make use of them, and if they are full, to either try another bin, or take it home.”

Stickers and pavement markers with the campaign message, ‘Bin it or take it home!' will be rolled out over the coming week.

Added 12 June 2024