County emergency planning officers are strongly urging members of the public not to join the clean-up operation currently taking place on Dorset's beaches. 

Volunteers have flooded local authorities with offers of help since the container ship MSC Napoli was grounded in Lyme Bay and began shedding its cargo.

Many people are concerned about the possible impacts on Dorset's internationally-famous Jurassic Coast, and are keen to help with clearance work on local beaches.

However, due to the hazardous materials in containers which may be washed ashore, the clean-up operation may pose serious health risks. On the advice of both the Health Protection Agency and the Health and Safety Executive, Dorset County Council is telling people not to get involved at this stage. 

Cabinet member for Environment Hilary Cox said:

 "We're very grateful for people's offers of help and we do understand that Dorset's coastline is very precious to everyone.

"However, for your own safety we would ask that you do not, at this stage, go to local beaches to help clean up. Specialist contractors have been appointed to handle this work and are progressing well with it.

"It is likely to be several weeks, or even months, before the situation has been brought fully under control and the health risks sufficently reduced to allow volunteers to help with the clean-up work.  But anyone interested can call The Dorset Coast Forum on (01305) 224833 and leave their contact details for future use."

Work has been carried out by the contractors at Burton Bradstock and Freshwater beaches with assistance from Dorset County Council's countryside service as well as helpers from Kingston Maurward college and the National Trust.

Staff from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council, with the assistance of Dorset Police, are identifying and mapping stretches of coast which are of concern to assist in the prioritisation of beach clear up work.

Ends 

Issued by:

Sally Northeast, Public Relations Manager

Tel: 01305 224491

Fax: 01305 224431

Email: s.a.northeast@dorsetcc.gov.uk