A PROJECT based in Bude has been recognised by the Prime Minister for its work in campaigning for the marine environment.

Bude Cleaner Seas Project has been working with individuals, businesses, farmers and authorities to strive for high quality waters and clean beaches. The project also focuses on keeping rivers, the canal and Bude’s famous sea pool clean and safe for use.

Bude’s beaches and seas are highly important to water surfers and water sports enthusiasts, the local hospitality sector and businesses in the area, and the community’s health and wellbeing, with a 20-minute walk on the beach proven to be good for a person’s mental health.

According to Bude Cleaner Seas, it is thought that 5.25-trillion pieces of plastic debris are in the world’s oceans, with an astonishing 269,000 tonnes floating on the surface.

Just weeks ago, Prime Minister, Theresa May, tweeted Bude Cleaner Seas to congratulate them and give recognition for the work they have been so dedicated in delivering in Bude.

Mrs May said: “Eight million tonnes of plastic makes its way into the world’s seas and oceans each year — our government will do all it can to play its part in stopping this. The work of @BudeCleanerSeas is vital to that ambition. Do follow and support their work, as @scottmann4NC does.”

The project is the brainchild of local lady Avril Sainsbury, who has been working hard to ensure the project achieves its aims. Avril was also instrumental in organising the 2016 Bude Wave Conference, inviting influential individuals such as City to Sea’s Natalie Fee, Interface Carpets’ Jon Khoo, Martin Dorey from the #2 Minute Beach Clean and The One Show’s Miranda Krestovnicoff, to speak at the event.

The conference allowed people to discuss ways in which they could make their every day lives more sustainable, projects in the pipeline to tackle marine pollution and the effects on the environment this pollution is having.

Since that September in 2016, both Bude and the UK have taken a big step forward in reducing the harmful plastics that pollute the earth.

The Conservative government has stated that they are aiming to use ‘green’ initiatives in tackling environmental issues in the country, and the Prime Minister has recently launched her 25-Year Environment Plan, highlighting the need to reduce avoidable plastic waste by 2042.

Conservative MP for North Cornwall, Scott Mann, has commended the work delivered by Bude Cleaner Seas.

He said: “Anyone who watched Blue Planet 2 recently will have been touched by the problems that plastic is causing our marine environment. I was delighted to attend the Bude Wave Conference event last year, where it became very clear that plastic in our oceans was a very big environmental problem.

“I have taken part in beach cleans in North Cornwall and have seen first-hand the amount of plastic waste in our seas. I am therefore delighted that the Prime Minister has taken on this challenge and has paid tribute to the work done by Bude Cleaner Seas.”

Avril Sainsbury, from Bude Cleaner Seas, added: “We were very happy to see the recognition for our community-based project making a real difference to the environment locally and beyond. Everything we do happens with the support of local people and community groups.

“We believe that small changes made by individuals, communities and businesses collectively will make a big difference and will drive positive change for our environment.”

Members of the Cabinet have also appeared to be following Environment Secretary Michael Gove’s lead in making the switch to reusable cups.

Ministers were seen leaving a Cabinet meeting clutching the cups, some still in their boxes.

The cups were presented to ministers on behalf of Environment Agency staff working on the Bude Cleaner Seas project.It comes after Mr Gove was spotted recently with one of the cups, which he managed to match with the colour of his tie.

To find out more about Bude Cleaner Seas, visit www.cleanerseasproject.co.uk