Heroin needles removed from Southsea coastline as army of volunteers descend to clean beach

More than 250 people rallied to help rid Southsea beach of waste as part of the city’s continued drive to crackdown on litterbugs.

Organised by Southsea Beachwatch, the team of volunteers spent two hours patrolling the coastal stretch on Saturday.

Jane Di Dino, leader of the group, said it was ‘heartwarming’ to see so many people joining this month’s clear-up and praised volunteers for their ‘fortitude’ in the chilly conditions.

She added it was worrying to find more used needles dumped along the seaside beauty spot and said: ‘It’s so sad. It’s totally inconsiderate to not think about others at all like this. It’s also very dangerous.

‘We do tend to find needles every other clean. It’s a real shame.’

James Adams, of Havant, was among those who attended the pick, and said the scourge of litterbugs was a global problem.

He added: ‘They’re heathens that deserve to be locked away for life.

‘They’re ruining the environment by dumping their rubbish. It’s something that has to stop.’

Collectors of all ages travelled from across Hampshire to join Saturday’s big clean.

Armed with plastic bags and litter-pickers, they helped bag everything from cigarette butts and bottle caps to wrappers and even a three-legged toy crocodile.

Karen Bushnell, 44, travelled from Basingstoke with her husband Jason, 49, and 10-year-old son James.

She said: ‘This was a great excuse for the family to have a day out.

‘Having events like this just spreads the message that the environment is really important.

‘And it shows the kids what people can leave behind on the beach. They need to see what it’s like.

‘The beach here is so lovely. So I want the kids to realise the importance of protecting the environment.’

She added she was ‘amazed’ by the turnout and said: ‘I thought it was just going to be my work group but there have been loads of people here, which has been really great.’

The next clear-up is on Saturday, April 4, from 10am to midday, and is expected to be supported by Pompey in the Community.

Jane added she was eager for people to come forward and set up their own collections in other parts of Portsmouth.

‘It is incredibly rewarding to do this,’ she added. ‘You can make a big difference.’

To register to join, see the Marine Conservation Society’s website at www.mcsuk.org