Work continues to clear the East Sussex coastline of the remains of shipping containers and debris that washed up this week.

The pollution is the result of containers from two cargo ships going overboard further along the coast during storms late last year and last week.

East Sussex County Council is working with the county’s five district and borough councils and relevant agencies to arrange for the safe removal and disposal of the debris, and continue to monitor the situation.

At this time, beach clearance is being coordinated by the district and borough councils for the coastline where smaller pieces of debris have washed ashore. Where remains of shipping containers are present, this is being coordinated with contractor Adler and Allan.

Members of the public are encouraged to take extra care if they are visiting the coastline and to please keep dogs on leads as some of the food items washing on to the shoreline may be harmful to them.

Contact your district or borough council to report any new debris you find on our beaches or for information on whether volunteers are required.

Eastbourne Borough Council – 01323 410000

Hastings Borough Council – 01424 451066 or via My Hastings

Lewes District Council – 01273 471600

Rother District Council – 01424 787000

Wealden District Council – 01323 443322

Any sightings of shipping containers at sea should be reported to HM Coastguard on 0344 382 0560

Any containers, or large parts of containers on the shoreline should be reported to Adler and Allen on 0800 592 827 providing the location using what3words if possible.

Thank you to everyone for their support and patience while we deal with this incident.