Volunteers clear four tonnes of waste from the old harbour shore

More than 300 volunteers removed just over four tonnes of waste from the old harbour basin on Saturday, in the largest clean-up there since the harbour office began keeping records. The work started at eight in the morning and the last skip was closed shortly after four.

Most of the waste came from the sandy shore below the quay walls and the shallow water beside it. Volunteers working along the shore and from eleven small boats collected bottles, packaging and fishing line, while a team of twelve divers dealt with the heavier items on the bottom.

What was found

The divers brought up 37 bicycles, 22 tyres, a shopping trolley and a cast-iron bench that had been missing from the east quay since the spring. Everything was sorted on the quayside: about two thirds could be recycled, according to the harbour office.

By weight, the largest share was scrap metal. By number, it was plastic bottles: volunteers counted more than 5,000.

A regular event

The harbour office said the result justified making the clean-up a fixed date. From next year it will be held twice, in April and in September, and gloves, grabbers and bags will be provided.

The office is also adding eight litter bins along the east quay, where most of the loose waste was found, and will report in the spring on whether they have reduced the amount reaching the water.