A large mount of litter is now building up at Polurrian Cove near Mullion, where rubbish being left and washing in is an ongoing issue.

Normally the beach is cleaned daily by volunteer local residents, with the Friends of Polurrian organising a monthly beach clean and volunteers invited back to the Polurrian Hotel, which owns the beach, for tea and cake afterwards.

The hotel also works with local company Celtic Clearance to collect the rubbish.

Disposable barbecues have also been left. Photo: Jo Birnie

However, due to social distancing rules both these cleaning initiatives have stopped during lockdown - but people have continued to visit the beach.

Local resident Jo Birnie, who has been documenting the issues, said: "Since the easing of lockdown people have been able to enjoy being at the Polurrian beach but, sadly, some have left rubbish on the beach itself or have thrown it into the area where the beach cleaners leave the fishing nets, barrels, etc.

"The area is a public health hazard, as well as a danger to animals."

She said a number of residents had attempted to contact Cornwall Council and Environmental Health about the problem, but had been told as it was a private beach it was the responsibility of the owner, in this case the Polurrian Hotel.

Jo added that recent weeks had seen a worsening of an already existing issue, with plastic and other items, largely from the fishing industry, washing up on a daily basis through the winter also.

"There is a definite need for an immediate solution to stop people leaving their rubbish behind every day, as well as a longer term solution," she said.

Jo clearing some of the rubbish washed in from the sea. Photo: Jo Birnie

"Clearing rubbish washed in from the sea is a full on job, so to then have to start cleaning up after people that could just take their own rubbish home is heart breaking. We've even seen human poo, wet wipes and sanitary towels."

Her son Eli has created a poster for anyone to use on social media or print out, with the aim of raising awareness.

The awareness poster created by Eli Birnie

There is some good news for residents in the short-term, however, with the rubbish there now due to be cleared away next week.

Grant Callaghan, general manager at the Polurrian Hotel, told the Packet: "We are aware of the unfortunate build-up of rubbish on Polurrian Cove Beach and have been liaising with community volunteer group ‘ Friends of Polurrian Beach’, and Celtic Clearance, to arrange for it to be safely removed.

"We appreciate the frustrations of those in the community and day visitors who have sent us feedback, and we are pleased to confirm the rubbish will be cleared on Sunday, June 14, and actioned within Government restrictions and guidelines.

"The hotel is incredibly fortunate to be located with this stunning beach right on its doorstep and we urge all visitors to take their personal rubbish home with them, so it can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.

"The monthly beach cleans are currently on pause due to social distancing guidelines, however the hotel is looking forward to welcoming the volunteers from Friends of Polurrian Beach back in the future, as their help is invaluable."

Rubbish includes quantities of glass bottles. Photo: Jo Birnie

The Friends of Polurrian Beach has also spoken of the issue.

The group posted yesterday: "We are aware of the rubbish that has built up on the platform, as well as the deceased seal, and have now arranged with our regular waste removal company, Celtic Clearance, to clear the rubbish next week.

"At present, due to government guidelines and to avoid any unnecessary social contact, we will work with the hotel staff and Celtic Clearance to handle the waste and won't be organising any volunteers to help.

"We understand people's frustrations that we can't act more swiftly on this but would please ask that everyone remembers the exceptional circumstances we are in apply to this situation too and that our friends at Celtic Clearance and the hotel are doing their absolute best to help in what are very challenging times for them as businesses and as individuals - we are incredibly grateful for their continued support."