Kids’ poster drive against beach rubbish at Walton (From Essex County Standard)

Kids’ poster drive against beach rubbish at Walton

5:00pm Monday 20th August 2012 in Local news By Dave Lambert

CHILDREN were inspired to create anti-littering posters after seeing visitors treat Walton beach like a dump.

Four children from Coggeshall were disgusted to see “mountains’’ of rubbish and decided to act.

Lily Cobbald, eight, Finn Cobbald, five, Mae Garnham, eight and Ruby Garnham, five, decided to get creative and make posters in a bid to stop people littering.

Amanda Garnham, mum of Mae and Ruby, said: “We had a lovely day on the beach and decided to have fish and chips by the seafront for dinner.

“There were lots of people and families there. But when the beach cleared, we saw a mountain of rubbish left behind.

“We couldn’t believe how bad it was, especially when you have to go past a bin to get off the beach.

“The children were disgusted by it all.

“They know all about why you shouldn’t litter, and were worried it would all be washed into the sea.”

Mrs Garnham said the family decided to clear the rubbish themselves.

She said: “When we got back to the caravan, they sat there quietly and made loads of posters, and they wanted to put them up around the beach.

“They showed them to the people at Walton Community Forum and they were delighted.

“The beaches here are lovely, but having all that rubbish spoils it.

“I’m so proud of them for being responsible and trying to help make the town even better.”

Walton councillor John Halls said: “Rubbish on the beaches can be a problem, especially in summer when there are a lot of tourists.

“It’s lovely to see children taking an interest like this.

“Hopefully, more tourists will be responsible like them and help keep our beaches clean.”