Secretary of State visits beach clean up event

REPRO FREE 07/03/20 Northern Ireland Secretary of State Brandon Lewis, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Sean Bateson Declan Donnelly and Brenda Caher joined volunteers on Ballycastle beach on Saturday morning to partake in the Beach Bucket Challenge, learning more about, and offering his support for the local environmental partnership initiative tackling marine pollution. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Brandon Lewis MP was in the seaside town on Saturday morning where he took part in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Beach Bucket Challenge.

It was established to encourage members of the public to collect rubbish when they visit a coastal location. The scheme operates in collaboration with local businesses like the Shorebird Café who provide buckets, litter pickers and bags.

Mr Lewis was joined at the seafront by the Mayor, Councillor Sean Bateson, Chief Executive David Jackson and Environmental Resources Officer Declan Donnelly.

Secretary of State Brandon Lewis said: “I was delighted to visit Ballycastle and learn more about the hugely positive environmental impact of the Beach Bucket Challenge. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, local businesses and all of the volunteers involved are to be commended for this innovative project, which is playing an important role in tackling marine pollution and in so doing, protecting Northern Ireland’s beautiful and scenic coastline.”

The Beach Bucket Challenge is part of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s LiveSmart campaign, winner of the Environmental Excellence award at the Local Government Awards 2020.

If you or anyone you know who would like to get involved in #LiveSmart, The Beach Bucket Challenge or other projects like The Great Nurdle Hunt then please email [email protected]/telephone 028 2766 0248.