A BEACH near Weston has four times the national average of 'sewage related debris' on its shores, according to a recent survey. The Marine Conservation Society carried out a beach clean and litter survey at Sand Bay as part of the Adopt-a-Beach scheme. Th

A BEACH near Weston has four times the national average of 'sewage related debris' on its shores, according to a recent survey.The Marine Conservation Society carried out a beach clean and litter survey at Sand Bay as part of the Adopt-a-Beach scheme.The results showed sewage related debris (SRD), including things such as cottonbuds, was the highest source of litter on the beach.The SRD found at Sand Bay on April 9 made up 27.5 per cent of all the rubbish found - four times the national average of 7.2 per cent.In a 50-metre stretch on the beach 92 cottonbud sticks were found.Adopt-a-Beach is a nationwide scheme which encourages members of the community to get involved in caring for their coastal environment.The scheme, which was launched in 1999, raises awareness about the problem of marine and coastal litter.Adopt-a-Beach outreach officer Gill Bell said: "Cottonbud sticks should never be flushed down the toilet as you could meet them again whilst out on the beach. "Litter can be transported many miles before it reaches Sand Bay, so people should try to dispose of their litter carefully. "We continue to monitor Sand Bay and carry out surveys four times a year. We are also speaking with water companies in the area to try to raise awareness of this problem.