Locals in popular UK seaside town rage at 'disgusting' tourists after they leave huge mess

Locals in Southend-on-Sea have hit out at visitors after shocking pictures showed piles of rubbish left on a sandy beach over the weekend. Photos shared on social media on Saturday evening (July 12) showed plastic bags, bottles, wrappers and food waste scattered across the sand. The images appear to have been taken towards the end of the day as the busy beach started to clear.

One post on X sparked a wave of angry comments from local residents. Martin Terry shared the images with a message to day-trippers, writing: "Dear visitors to Southend-on-Sea, when you visit our lovely beaches and city could you please show some respect. The cost of cleaning this up falls upon us city taxpayers. You may treat your own city like this but we do not want it here, bin it please!"

The response in the comments was swift and furious. One user replied: "That's disgusting to leave a beach like that." Another said: "People who litter are scum."

A third posted: "That's awful. I was there yesterday and it was very crowded. Of course I didn't leave anything behind."

Another said: "Usual London day-tippers, what do you expect?" While another fumed: "I hate the way they come and leave the beach in this state if you can't respect our city bloody stay away we don't need you."

Others suggested ways to tackle the issue. "Look for receipts amongst the bags, often these people leave them in there and you can trace it back and prosecute," one person wrote.

Another added: "You should fine them! You have them on CCTV."

While many blamed tourists, others pointed out that some locals are just as guilty. "Shouldn't assume it's just day-trippers," one person said. "Lots of locals also litter in this crappy town."

Local news site Your Southend also posted the photo, writing: "7pm this evening: Unfortunately, a busy day on Southend seafront = litter left on the beach."

More angry comments followed: "Don't get this at other beaches in Essex." Another person wrote: "Disgusting. Stay away from our city if you're gonna treat it with such disrespect."

Some suggested placing more bins on the beach during peak summer weekends to reduce the mess.

One post said: "Improvising for the busiest time of year at the beach by placing more bins available on the beach could save a lot of time clearing up the sand."

Southend City Council says it works hard to keep the seafront clean.

According to the council's website, over seven miles of coastline are cleaned daily in partnership with SUEZ, with beach raking and litter picking running from early morning until late evening.

The council added: "In the very busy summer months it is unavoidable that a certain amount of litter will build up as the day goes on, but this will be cleared in the following morning's beach clean."

Community groups also regularly organise beach cleans to encourage responsible behaviour and keep the area tidy.

The Express has contacted Southend City Council for further comment.