Litter louts strike at beauty spots across Sussex

This morning at Devil's Dyke, a used barbecue was discarded underneath a "no fires" sign and a series of glass and plastic bottles were left just metres from the car park bin.

Abandoned bottles of Coke, Jack Daniels, condiments and paper plates gave the impression of a boozy picnic, with the group responsible then leaving their litter in situ rather than disposing of it properly.

Litter louts strike at Sussex beauty spots

This comes after Brighton and Hove City Council workers collected three tonnes of rubbish from the beach on Monday, with pictures of overflowing bins widely circulated on social media.

Sussex Wildlife Trust, a conservation charity working to protect the county's natural environment, has issued a plea to people visiting beauty spots asking them to follow Natural England's Countryside Code.

This is made up of three components; respecting other people, protecting the natural environment and enjoying the outdoors.

• READ MORE: Beach-goers urged to use extra bins after rubbish left strewn on seafront

Visitors are urged to consider the local community when enjoying the outdoors by parking carefully so access to gateways and driveways remain clear, leave gates and properties as they find them, and follow marked paths, giving way to others when the walkway becomes narrow.

They are also asked to "leave no trace" of their visit and take all their litter home with them. They should not have barbecues or fires, dogs should be kept under control and any dog poo must be cleared up and binned.

The final pieces of advice state: "Plan ahead, check what facilities are open and be prepared.

Litter louts strike at Sussex beauty spots

"Follow advice and local signs, and obey social distancing measures."

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty has also spoken out about the issue of litter on the city's seafront and beaches.

He said: "There are almost 400 bins along the seafront that people can use for their rubbish. If the closest bin is full, we’re asking people to please find one that isn’t full or take your rubbish home.

"Our crews will be out playing their part, but we need you to play your part too. Don’t leave rubbish beside a bin that’s already full. Rubbish bags are easily pulled apart and then cause rubbish and health hazards."