THE state of the Island's beaches is high on the list of voters' environmental priorities, it has been revealed.

THE beach cleaning organisation Beach Buddies has welcomed the results of the Liberal Vannin Party survey that shows the subject of beach and sea pollution is very high on the list of issues which cause concern for the Manx public.

The survey revealed it was more of a concern than litter in the streets.

Beach and sea pollution was rated as the third most important issue in terms of environmental concerns, behind alternative energy and recycling.

Beach Buddies founder Bill Dale said: "I have to say I am very pleasantly surprised.

"We are approaching the fifth anniversary of setting up our beach cleaning organisation and we have privately had many very encouraging comments from the people we have met on the beaches.

"But to find that the general public is aware of beach pollution and that it is the third highest priority in a Top 20 list of environmental issues is even more encouraging and shows that I have probably under estimated the feelings of the people.

"To know that so many people support the sort of work Beach Buddies is doing is really positive news for us and the other groups who regularly carry out beach cleaning sessions."

He said that Beach Buddies had been set up to tackle a problem that they thought very few cared about.

"We knew that unless we decided to clean the beaches ourselves and get out there with bin bags then it simply wouldn't happen and the beaches would be left in a terrible mess.

"The first couple of years involved getting rid of rubbish which had clearly be there for many, many years and we've now got it down to a manageable level, although it has to be said it's a bit of a never-ending battle.

"Every time the tide comes in it brings more rubbish with it.

“But we wouldn't have been giving up our time for almost five years if we were looking for praise and reward, although there are times when you sometimes think no one else cares that much."

Beach Buddies had been successful in engaging schoolchildren in beach cleaning sessions with keen support from children from Ballaugh and Sulby primary schools in the north and Victoria Road, Castletown in the south.

The Isle of Man College has also been a good supporter of beach cleaning sessions.

Companies have also given support to the organisation and regular beach cleaning teams have joined in on the beaches, including Britannia International, Skandia International and Lloyds TSB.

Government support has come in supplying bin bags and litter-pickers and the collection of large amounts of rubbish via the Harbours Division and village commissioners in Michael, Ballaugh and Bride.

However, it is the response from children which Beach Buddies has found the most encouraging.

Bill added: "It's really good to see how the children react when they see just how much of a mess we adults are leaving on our beautiful beaches.

"This summer we found that the schools actually contacted us to join in, instead of us needing to ask for help, so that has been a real turning point, and we're hoping more primary schools will be keen to join us after the summer holidays.

"They all seem to really enjoy themselves and you can see by their reaction that it has a real impact when they see for themselves just how much rubbish human beings simply dump and expect others to pick it up afterwards.

"I sincerely hope it brings about a major change in the future because the generation who are parents of these children - and I count myself amongst them - have not been diligent enough in making sure their children don't just throw their plastic bottles and drinks tins and sweet papers in the streets and rivers.

"My parents drilled it into us that you simply don't throw rubbish on the ground. And I never have -  and never will.

"But today you see any amount of litter just thrown around everywhere and it doesn't take a genius to work out that all this rubbish eventually ends up going down drains, into rivers and eventually onto our beautiful beaches.

"We have some of the most fantastic beaches in the British Isles.

"It's my dream that one day we will be able to say that the Isle of Man has the cleanest beaches in Britain, or Europe, maybe even the world.

"I can hear the cynics saying that's impossible, but why not set your sights high? Even if you fall slightly short, you will still achieve a great deal."

Beach Buddies operates regular beach cleaning sessions, mostly covering the north west and north of the Island, but will carry out beach cleaning anywhere in the Island.

Beach cleaning sessions last less than two hours and schools are particularly encouraged to get involved.

For further details email beachbuddies@manx.net