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HAMPSHIRE'S beaches are being ruined by an avalanche of discarded rubbish according to a new report out today.

Plastic bags, bottles and cigarette butts are the worst offenders to litter the sea front at popular beaches such as Hamble Common, Netley and Milford on Sea.

Hundreds of volunteers from the Marine Conservation Society took part in last September's litter pick collecting 116,886 litter items on 114 local beaches.

The Beachwatch survey shows litter in Hampshire has increased on average by almost 15 per cent since the 2006 survey.

The results showed beach visitors were the biggest source of rubbish followed by fishing and sewage debris.

Dave Hubble, spokesman for Southampton Greenpeace, said: "I'm quite surprised by the results that recreational use of the beach has such a high impact on the marine environment. We need to ask people to take their rubbish away or dispose of it properly."

Emma Snowden, MCS litter projects co-ordinator, said: "Plastics are of particular concern as they could persist for centuries with fatal consequences for marine wildlife.

"The MCS's Beachwatch volunteers remove tons of litter from beaches, and using the survey data they collect, MCS is raising awareness about this serious situation and the solutions. The plastic litter problem needs to be tackled at all levels, from grassroots through to Government, while industry and retail sectors must acknowledge the need to reduce plastic bag use and packaging."

Plastic debris now accounts for more than 58 per cent of all litter found on UK beaches which is not just an unsightly blight but is also effecting local wildlife.

According to the report more than 170 species of marine wildlife including seabirds, turtles and whales have been recorded mistaking litter for food resulting in starvation, poisoning and fatal stomach blockages. Plastic packaging and discarded fishing nets also injure, entangle and drown some of Britain's favourite marine wildlife.