LIKE many others I have been truly appalled by the amount of litter that has been left on our beautiful beaches in recent weeks.

Whilst education and awareness campaigns have their place in tackling this issue, I can't help but think there should be some serious thought given to issuing £75 fixed penalty notices for what, after all, is a criminal offence.

Maybe the council could employ a few seasonal civil enforcement officers to patrol the beaches to try and combat this problem. The enforcement officers are doing an excellent job in other parts of the town in addressing this issue as I have witnessed on many occasions. Failing this, what about authorising some of the beach inspectors to issue penalty notices?

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Bournemouth council’s cleansing team on the excellent job they have done and continue to do behind the scenes in maintaining our beaches to such a high standard for locals and visitors to enjoy. Keep up the good work! It hasn’t gone unnoticed.

ANDY JONES, Southbourne Road, Bournemouth