HEAPS of discarded food, bottles and barbecue remains lie scattered on Bournemouth beach.

This scene, next to the pier, was the aftermath of an unauthorised party which attracted 3,000 people to the resort at the weekend.

The family-orientated Sierra Leone Day, featuring music and dancing, passed off without incident after police were called. But seafront rangers were left to clean up what some local residents and traders branded a “disgraceful” mess.

Cllr Andrew Morgan, chairman of the borough’s licensing board, confirmed that Saturday’s event had been unauthorised. He said organisers had applied for a licence but the application arrived too late.

John Campbell, who attended the event said, “For around 15 years these events have been happening around the UK.

“They are usually in Brighton but this year we choose Bournemouth. Usually the organisers get all the right authorisation as it’s like a family reunion and the only time everyone from Sierra Leone gets together.”

He added: “When it comes to the mess that’s up to the organisers. We’ve done smaller events so all we can do is apologise. Those who organised it should pay the council for the mess or make sure it is dealt with.”

An angry online Daily Echo reader said: “This type of event should not be allowed on a Bournemouth beach.

“The noise and subsequent mess will deter visitors from coming to this beautiful town and enjoying the delights of the beach.”

The Sierra Leone Brighton Association is a social and support network group for people from Sierra Leone who are living in the Brighton Area.

Chris Saunders, the borough’s seafront and business development manager: “It was a very busy day along the seafront but the large group were all good natured and there was a very good atmosphere. As with any busy day our staff carried out a full clean-up of the beach on Saturday evening.”