LITTER bosses have vowed to step up patrols in a popular seaside town after concerns were raised that its streets were overflowing with rubbish.

Craig Robinson

LITTER bosses have vowed to step up patrols in a popular seaside town after concerns were raised that its streets were overflowing with rubbish.

As these pictures show the busy season in Aldeburgh has left bins full to the brim - and more visitors are expected over the next three days for the resort's annual carnival.

Concerns had been raised that litter collections were not up to scratch but last night Suffolk Coastal Services (SCS), which is responsible for cleaning the streets, confirmed extra staff will be on hand to help out during the weekend and early next week.

In a letter to the EADT, Helen Revell said she was “appalled” at the sight that greeted her along Aldeburgh seafront on Wednesday morning, with bins overflowing and litter and empty tins and bottles on the beach.

“A solitary council man was attempting with a picker and black bag to make an impression on this sea of filth,” she said.

Lindsay Lee, clerk to Aldeburgh Town Council, said there had been problems with rubbish but by and large these had now been solved.

“Street cleaning is a long standing problem,” she said. “The instances last week have now been addressed by SCS but we will still be monitoring the situation.”

Last night Andrew Nunn, Suffolk Coastal District Council's cabinet member for the green environment, said collections would be stepped up for Aldeburgh Carnival, which starts today and ends on Monday with the traditional procession through the town.

“The warm weather leads to many visitors enjoying our coastal towns - often well into the evening, causing many of our litter bins to be fuller than usual, so the team that empty the bins have been running a bit later than usual getting to Aldeburgh,” he said.

“However, the bins have been and are being emptied as usual on a daily basis and other cleaning carried out where and when appropriate.

“Over the long carnival weekend we are expecting even more visitors and waste disposal services have been increased in readiness.

“The carnival period promises to be a great event and SCS looks forward to working in co-operation with residents and visitors to ensure Aldeburgh is kept clean.”