Young
Unionists

Young Unionists hold highly successful beach clean in Groomsport

Friday 31st July 2009, 11:59

In a bid to play their part in keeping Northern Irelands beaches clean during the summer, the Ulster Young Unionists recently held their third successful beach clean to join in with the Coca-Cola sponsored Clean Coast Programme. This time they were in Groomsport, a village well known for its marvellous coastal beauty. 

Speaking after the event, Vice Chairman of the Young Unionists Alasdair O’Hara said: We were delighted to have the opportunity to visit Groomsport and work with local residents to clean the beach. At this time of year we can all be guilty of taking for granted the wonderful beauty around us, particularly in coastal areas. However, these areas don’t continue to look well for long unless they are maintained and kept clean. That is why it is important that everyone does what they can to help protect the local environment and why we as an organisation wanted to do something to help keep Northern Ireland tidy.”

The Young Unionists carried out the beach clean with Tidy NI; Jennifer Smyth, National Coastal Officer for Tidy NI, said: “Marine litter is an extremely serious environmental issue and these clean ups really aid the fight to protect our delicate coastal habitats and marine creatures. It’s fantastic to see young people out doing their bit and setting an example for others.” 

Alastair O’Hara added: “When all the work was done it was a nice feeling to know that we had done something constructive that would benefit local people in the area and tourists visiting during the summer. Prior to the clean I had looked up Groomsport on the internet and learned that apparently in means “port of the gloomy servant”. Thankfully, neither our members nor the members of Tidy NI matched this description and happily did what they could to get the rubbish lifted.” “We really enjoyed out day in Groomsport and we look forward to returning there and working with Tidy NI again in the future.”