A LITTER campaigner is demanding more respect for Bournemouth’s beaches as “dangerous” amounts of rubbish were strewn along the seafront this weekend.

People headed in their droves to the beach to enjoy the hottest weekend of the year, but left the seaside in a state.

Peter Ryan, of volunteer litter picking group Dorset Devils, said among the bottles, cans, and fast food remains, litter louts had even left a four-metre, smouldering log at Bournemouth beach.

Filmed by Dorset Devils at 8am. Serious danger to children already on beach. Rangers aware. Just needed seawater on it! @JadeDailyEcho pic.twitter.com/xJIpecYRon — DORSET DEVILS (@dorsetdevils) June 20, 2017

And council workers attempting to clear up the beach on Sunday were impeded in some areas by campers.

Mr Ryan is calling for more litter enforcement at beaches, as well as more positive initiatives to encourage people to pick up their rubbish.

“We’ve had a massive litter problem this weekend – far worse than I expected or hoped and a dangerous thing to see.

“Bournemouth is a premier resort, and we embrace visitors, but why do people disrespect our beaches?

“It was so sad to see the wanton littering – if people did this in the town centre, they would get a fine. But it’s a hundred times worse on the beach than in the town, and people on the beach walk away with total immunity.”

Dorset Devils, which has hundreds of volunteer litter pickers, also aims to engage people about littering so they “leave a legacy” behind instead of litter.

Lyn Hool, a regular beachgoer from Poole, said the bins at Bournemouth beach were “totally full” when she cycled through the area yesterday morning.

“There are not enough of them,” she said.

“The seagulls and foxes have strewn the rubbish everywhere. What a disgrace it is for a holiday resort, and not a great advert for it.”

Chris Saunders, head of operations for tourism at Bournemouth council, said the cleansing team were out “first thing” yesterday morning to clear the beach and promenade.

“It was fantastic to see so many visitors enjoying Bournemouth seafront over the weekend.

“With over 200 bins along the seafront there are plenty of facilities for people to use. We also have clear messages advising the public to dispose of their rubbish responsibly, ideally taking their litter and recycling home.

“Unfortunately, there are some people who choose to leave their litter behind instead of clearing up after themselves.”

He added: “We have litter pickers on duty year round and in the peak season this increases to twice daily to make sure our beautiful beaches are clean for the enjoyment of everyone.”