LITTER has become a problem on Whitehaven marina, so much so that the newly installed sea bin can not keep up with the demand.

The managers of Whitehaven Marina have collected enough waste to fill a refuse bin despite a sea bin being installed in 2019. The sea bin which is the only one of its kind in the county sits on the surface of the water and acts as a vacuum to draw in floating rubbish.

Plastic pollution is still concern to residents of Whitehaven and the marina management. Tony Taylor of Whitehaven marina said: “The bin is switched on but it can’t keep up.”

He identified the problem as an influx of visitors during the Summer months who are not disposing of their cups and takeaway containers properly.

“There is a lot more people around the harbour dropping litter and it blows into one corner. What people were doing at St Bees is leaving it by the bin and thinking they’ve done the right thing. It’ll just get distributed by the seagulls and blown into the water.”

Mayor of Whitehaven Brian O’Kane said: “It’s crucial through all of this to do the best that we can. The general litter problem is something that Whitehaven tried to address as a town council. There’s a responsibility on people to look after the litter situation.”

County councillor for Bransty Graham Roberts said: “It’s disappointing that they’re letting the town down. I’m disappointed that the harbour has been left to go to seed, it’s our little gem.

He said: “It’s a shame that people don’t take their litter home. Film crews come here. It’s nice to see tourists coming into the town. We’ve got a collective responsibility to keep the town right.”

He added that Copeland Borough Council and Whitehaven Town Council are working to tackle a general refuse problem. Mayor of Copeland Mike Starkie said: “We love welcoming visitors to Whitehaven and one of the jewels in its crown is the marina. It’s also a place much beloved of local people. But we must work together to keep it beautiful – and that means taking our litter home with us. There’s never an excuse for it, and we all need to play our part."

Copeland council's Pride of Place campaign looks to keep shop fronts and gardens tidy to bring out the best in Copeland.

“Our Pride of Place campaign has been all about the little things that add up to make somewhere feel loved – from smart shop fronts and well-tended gardens to picking up dog poo and not dropping litter.