Warning after syringes are found on West Bay's west beach (From Dorset Echo)

Warning after syringes are found on West Bay's west beach

2:30pm Friday 15th February 2013 in News By Anne Bell

BEACHGOERS are being warned to take care after syringes were found on a popular stretch of coastline.

A Bridport man says he was horrified to find a West Bay beach strewn with syringes.

And he is calling for more regular beach sweeping and litter clearing as the harbour is set to become a TV star in the new Broadchurch drama.

It is believed the items had been swept on to the beach in recent wild weather conditions.

Paul Perrin, of Park Road, who regularly walks on the beach said he saw at least ten syringes along the beach in front of the Esplanade.

He picked some up and reported the problem to Bridport Town Council at Mountfield.

Bridport Town Council immediately passed Mr Perrin's report to the district council in Dorchester which has responsibility for the beach and harbour area.

But Mr Perrin a volunteer at Chancery House and a gardener, said when he next went back to check the following day, nothing had been done.

“They had obviously been washed up there and blown along the beach,” he said.

“Although the ones I found appeared to have had the needles knocked off, you have no idea what was in them.

“The beach is an area for children to play on and it is a mess down there.”

A spokesman for West Dorset District Council urged anyone who found hazardous waste to contact them immediately.

He added: “Unfortunately this kind of waste can wash up on beaches across the UK from time to time.

“When reports are received by the district council we send staff with specialist equipment to pick up the syringes and dispose of them safely. “If anyone spots this kind of waste in West Dorset they can call 01305 251010.”