Abandoned "drench coat" to be dug out

Monday 05 February 2018

A coat left to the elements on a Guernsey beach has been causing a nightmare for environmentalists who want it removed.

The material has become heavier and heavier with each high tide burying the coat deeper in the sand on Belle Greve Bay.

It was first spotted buried in the sand on the beach near the Longstore junction a week ago but despite efforts to move it the coat has been stuck fast.

Members of the public have tried to dig it out but say it has been too heavy to move. Sam Reoch, a dog walker who regularly collects rubbish from the coastline said: "It’s buried and full of sand, it needs force and a spade to remove it."

Removing rubbish from the coastline is the responsibility of the States' Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services team. ACLMS holds a Coastal Cleansing contract with States Works which includes "cleansing of beaches, amongst other tasks such as the emptying of coastal litter bins."

A member of staff at ACLMS said they weren't aware of the coat when Express approached them for comment last week, but they said it will be removed on Monday 5 February. 

The spokesperson said: "We would encourage anyone finding a large/bulky item on the beach to report it to ACLMS on 234567 or by emailing aclms@gov.gg and we will arrange for it to be removed as soon as possible. A precise location and description of the item is very helpful."