TWO of the region’s beaches have been criticised by visitors for being strewn with litter this week – including used condoms and dirty nappies.

The mini-heatwave in the UK led to beaches at Redcar and Hartlepool coming under fire by sunseekers – some of whom said they wouldn’t return.

But local councils defended themselves, saying the beaches were cleaned regularly, and asked visitors to ensure they cleaned up after themselves.

Bob Glen, from Shildon, who visited Seaton Carew beach, near Hartlepool, on Tuesday, said: “To say we were appalled at the state of the place would be an understatement.

“I have never seen a town that is supposed to be a family seaside resort be so filthy and run-down and obviously the local council are happy to let it be like this.

“There were dirty nappies, condoms and litter like I’ve never seen before on the main beach, and families with children just playing amongst it – very unhygienic.

“The council are not encouraging tourists and I for one will not be returning.”

Others took to Facebook to criticise the state of Redcar beach.

One said: “I was on the beach yesterday afternoon after work, walking in the water’s edge and there were plastic bags, bits and pieces of general rubbish, scattered everywhere. But the number of “disposable” nappies – presumably soiled – was appalling.

“The bins are overflowing and the beach is a right state with rubbish left behind today.”

A Hartlepool Borough Council spokesman said: “Seaton’s beach is cleaned on a regular basis; however we do need visitors to play their part too.

“This lovely stretch of beach is one of the town’s best assets and was once again granted a Seaside Award by Keep Britain Tidy – which is only given to English beaches which meet the very highest standards of cleanliness – in May of this year.

“We would appeal to all visitors to play their part in helping keep it an attractive, clean, and safe place for people to enjoy.”

Cllr Alec Brown from Redcar & Cleveland Council said the council had extra litter pickers in the summer and thanked staff and community groups who cleaned the beach.

He said he welcomed Redcar being a popular place to visit during the warm weather, but urged visitors to pick up after themselves.