Sunderland Plastic Bag Riddle Confounds Environmental Experts
A wave of plastic bag crime along Sunderland beaches has sparked an investigation from the Environment Agency’s Waste Crime Unit. Officers are appealing for information from Sunderland residents and businesses that may lead to a resolution of the problem.
The plastic bags, oddly cut into uniform strips before being dumped, are from various supermarkets and retail outlets and have been strewn along Roker, Seaburn and Whitburn beaches over the past year. Why the bags have been deliberately cut into strips remains a mystery although officers are looking into the possibility that there may be a business reason for the practice.
Investigations into the local port and marina, local supermarkets and waste and recycling plants have failed to throw up any clues as to who is behind the pollution. The possibility of the culprit being fly-tippers or passing ships is also being investigated. As the culprit will face a jail sentence if they are found it is unlikely that they will come forward voluntarily.
This litter problem is not restricted only to Sunderland. Officers have found a similar issue along the beautiful Northumberland coastline, from Druridge Bay to Newbiggin by the Sea since October last year. It is unclear whether this is a copycat crime or the same perpetrator.
The problem has arisen at a time when Sunderland Council and the Marine Conservation Society have but in considerable effort and investment into keeping local beaches clean. The recent Blue Flag awarded in May 2011 by the Keep Britain Tidy group is testament to the success of their efforts.
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