Mum says family walk at Seaburn beach spoiled by 'offensive' posters

Margarita Wilson, 31,from South Shields was on a family walk at Seaburn Beach when she noticed the bin signs that read “Oi! Sort your **** out” and “Oi! Don’t be a Tosser” along the coastline.

The mum said: “It’s really worrying because children will be reading those signs, it’s like we are normalising inappropriate slang.

"I wouldn’t want any child to use that kind of language.”

The signs have been placed along Seaburn beach by Sunderland City Council asking people not to litter.

Ms Wilson added: “The signs are disrespectful to the people living here in the area because it assumes we don’t understand normal language, it’s a really disrespectful way of addressing us.

"I don’t want to walk along the beach now until the signs have been taken down, a lot of people are annoyed by this.”

After Ms Wilson complained to the council, they responded saying that the Sunderland Youth Council were consulted on the campaign and the literature used was “their preferred option” which “intends to be bold and impactful.”

Councillor Graeme Miller, Leader of Sunderland City Council said: “The Don’t be a Tosser campaign reflects the City Council’s zero tolerance approach to littering and fly-tipping and builds on Keep Britain Tidy’s national messaging which has been used by a number of local authorities.

“It was launched in July this year in response to residents’ demands to see a tougher approach to those caught littering.

"More than half the city’s population took part in the Let’s Talk consultation online, through social media and at face to face events.

“We also liaised directly with school children through school assemblies who are angry at the grown-ups littering and thought a hard-hitting message was required.

“While the hard hitting campaign may not be to everyone’s taste, it has been well received by residents.”

The 31-year-old mum added: "I’m not offended as an individual but it does raise concerns about how we are educating our children.

"I understand some people may not be offended by it but it’s just not a polite way of addressing people.”

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