RESIDENTS in South Ayrshire are being encouraged to get behind a network of community beach cleaning.

Organised by the Marine Conservation Society, South Ayrshire Council are getting involved and are hoping groups and individuals will too.

The annual event takes place across Scotland between September 15-18 and it is a chance for people to come together to help tackle the growing problem of marine litter.

The council has already collect around 250 tonnes of rubbish from the beaches every year, but working with communities would mean that even more could be done to protect the stunning South Ayrshire coastline.

Councillor Ian Cochrane, sustainability and environment portfolio holder for South Ayrshire Council said: “We have a lovely coastline which attracts visitors from all over the world and the last thing we want to see is litter. Not only does this affect tourism and the local economy, but wildlife also suffers.

“The Council already works extremely hard to clean our beaches and this has been recognised recently through a number of awards, however we can achieve even more if communities do their bit too.

“I would encourage anybody who wants to help protect our coastline and precious wildlife from the scourge of marine litter to sign up viawww.mcsuk.org/greatbritishbeachclean”

If you would like to access free litter picking equipment for this event, please contact the council on 0300 123 0900 and ask for ‘waste management’.