Outrage as Leeds’ ‘secret beach’ turned into dumping ground by heavy drinkers and drug users

‘Cross’ Leeds locals are up in arms over the shocking state of one of the city’s hidden gems, known as Leeds’ ‘secret beach.’

The hard-working bunch are appalled by the mind-boggling items that irresponsible litterbugs have left behind, and they’re taking matters into their own hands. With summer just around the corner, they’ve been cleaning up Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve.

Nestled near Redcote Lane and the River Aire, this pebbly beach and woodland is a magnet for staycationers desperate for a sun tan, dog walkers eager to cool their pups in the water, and unfortunately, drug users and heavy drinkers who have turned it into a dumping ground.

Read more: Little known ‘hero’ Leeds litter picker helping to keep the city streets clean

Determined to restore its former glory, a group of tireless volunteers from Litter Free Leeds have been toiling tirelessly cleaning up the mess left behind. In just under two hours of their valuable time, these selfless heroes managed to fill up 15 large bin bags and even discovered a large shopping trolley.

The group’s distinctive purple bags were also brimming with “hundreds of cans”, drug paraphernalia, and believe it or not, a cracked open safe scattered amidst the woodland.

Retired paediatrician Peter, 75, had some strong words for energy drink manufacturers. He said: “Here’s a message to the energy drink makers.

“’Your energy drinks are no good because people have the strength to carry the full can but when they’ve had the full drink, they can’t even carry the empty can home.’

“This is one of the popular spaces, if we didn’t do it, then nobody else would. It’s not directly in an area of population but a lot of people use it.”

Retired NHS worker Janice Martin said: “I picked up a load of needles, among other things, under one of the bridges. I think it’s just sad for the people who are using.”

At the forefront of this cleanup operation are Anne and Howard Crosland, a dynamic husband and wife duo, both 79, often hailed as the driving force behind their dedicated group. They meticulously plan the locations and meeting times every week, ensuring no corner is left untouched.

Retired officer worker Anne, voiced her frustration, exclaiming: “We found a trolley today. Cans, bottles, snack packets. It makes you cross. Why can’t they leave their trolley where they’ve gone shopping?”

Retired plumber Howard, who been a dedicate litter picker fore about 15 years, chimed in: “We found a safe that was broken into and left. We find cans, hundreds and hundreds of cans. They’re even full. Why can’t they take them home, empty? Under bridge over here there were hundreds.”

He added: “If there’s litter about, people will leave more litter. But if they don’t see litter, they won’t litter.”

The group cleaning up Kirkstall Valley Nature Reserve were only a small part of Litter Free Leeds, which comprises of more than 4,500 volunteers. But Peter says they could always do with more people joining up.

Peter said: “Don’t drop litter, take it home with you. If you want something to do in your spare time, join us.”

Earlier this week, Leeds City Council praised Litter Free Leeds for all their hard work. A spokesperson for the council said: “We get a huge amount of support from Litter Free Leeds and other volunteer residents and groups across the city who actively work to help keep the city clean and to who we say a big thank you.”