BOOZING weekend revellers are leaving hundreds of cans and bottles on Burnham beach, sparking fears that they could be hazardous to young holidaymakers and wildlife.

Late-night parties held over the spring mean parts of the beach are now often strewn with discarded rubbish and smashed glass is often littering the sand.

The warning comes just after Burnham has earned the 2015 Seaside Award flag for being safe and litter-free - the flag was raised officially yesterday by Sedgemoor District Council chairman Cllr Peter Downing.

The council manages parts of the beach and says it is very proud of the award, but admits it is aware of recent complaints about cans and bottles strewn on the sands.

Many residents nearby say the problem is so bad it is taking several days to pick up the cans and bottles. Gas canisters and disposable barbecues are also often left behind.

Sedgemoor spokeswoman Claire Faun said the council clears litter regularly, but residents are having to clear a lot themselves, and say it is a danger to pets and children, especially with summer approaching.
She said: “We can only react to somebody reporting litter there. That particular area is away from where our beach wardens patrol.

“We can only react to it - we can’t proactively do anything.

“We can only urge people to be responsible and take rubbish home.”

Police said they had not known about any specific beach parties at the weekend, but were called out to a loud party nearby."