Volunteers have been mobilised to clear North East beaches after two ships collided and around 25 tonnes of plastic nurdles spilled into the River Tyne on July 19. The small plastic pellets, used to make products like bottles, have been washing up on the shoreline.
Clean-up efforts
Hundreds of people took part in clean-ups on Whitley Bay Beach on Monday, and a Tynemouth councillor said volunteers may need to be diverted from Longsands due to the high turnout. Councils are officially leading operations, but many self-organised volunteer groups have been helping.
Beach clean locations
Beach cleans are taking place at the following beaches across the North East:
North Tyneside: Fish Quay Beach, North Shields; King Edward's Bay, Tynemouth; Tynemouth Longsands; The Haven Beach, Tynemouth; Cullercoats; Whitley Bay.
South Tyneside: Littlehaven Beach, South Shields; Sandhaven Beach, South Shields.
Northumberland: Newbiggin-by-the-Sea; Druridge Bay and Amble; Seaton Sluice; Blyth; Cambois.
Sunderland: Seaburn; Roker.
Beach clean times
Beach cleans are held just after high tide. The schedule is as follows:
- Monday, July 27: 4pm - 8pm
- Tuesday, July 28: 6am - 10am & 4pm - 8pm
- Wednesday, July 29: 6am - 10am & 4.45pm - 9pm
- Thursday, July 30: 6am - 10am & 5.30pm - 9.30pm
- Friday, July 31: 6am - 10am & 6.15pm - 9.30pm
- Saturday, August 1: 6am - 10am & 6.30pm - 9.30pm
