Southsea Common sees litter-bugs leave piles of rubbish within walking distance of empty bins

The common was left largely unspoiled during the bank holiday weekend, but large piles of rubbish had been left strewn across a few popular parts of the open space this morning.

Beer cans, paper plates, and disposable barbecues lying on scorched earth were littered across parts of the site – in some areas less than 50 metres from empty bins.

Parts of the Common and the beach have been left ‘quite mucky’, according to street-sweeper Alan Walker

Alan, who is contracted to keep the seafront clean through maintenance firm Colas, said: ‘It’s been really mucky on the common in certain parts, and on the beach it has been quite mucky.

‘They talk about stopping selling barbecues in shops. They could make money if they tell people they have to buy a two litre bottle of water and they can use that to put out the fire.

‘But the thing that most annoys us is when people bring their dogs down and leave bags of dog mess on the ground.’

And responsible dog owners also have to be wary of the dangers posed by ‘dinlo’ litter-bugs, according to Southsea resident Rupert Rhodes.

Rupert, who has lived in the area for nine years and was out taking his whippet Donna-P for a walk, said: ‘I know a couple of people who don’t walk their dogs around here all summer because they are worried what they may pick up and chew. Chicken bones can be a real problem – they can splinter in their throats.’

He added: ‘Last year it was horrendous. Everyone was sitting on the common and leaving rubbish.

‘The addition of a few extra bins has made a big difference.

‘It seems a lot of people can’t be bothered to walk to an empty bin.

‘Dinlos are still out there.’

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Last year the council installed 36 additional bins across Southsea Common after it was left ‘covered’ by rubbish at the height of the summer.

Portsmouth City Council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson said he was pleased that most of the common was litter-free, and he implored people to act responsibly and not ‘spoil’ the scenic spot for other residents.

The Liberal Democrat politician said: ‘People know they shouldn't litter. On the whole, everyone treats the common really, really well.

‘It’s been a really lovely weekend – don’t spoil it for rest of us.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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