Claims that Shakespeare Beach in Dover is among the dirtiest in Kent have been dismissed by the Port of Dover.

Its chief executive Tim Waggott has labelled it an example of “doing the community down.”

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) said in a survey that 39 bags of rubbish were collected from Dover last year, the most in Kent.

Deal closely followed with 20 and Pegwell Bay counted 13.

Mr Waggott said: “The beach is part of Dover and another of the assets we should all be using and preserving for everyone’s benefit.

“We actively support initiatives such as the Great British Beach Clean which saw scores of volunteers working selflessly for our community.

“The amount of litter collected in the September survey is a reflection of just how many people were volunteering to play their part, caring for and being proud of their home town.”

'The amount of litter collected in the September survey is a reflection of just how many people were volunteering to play their part' - Tim Waggott

The majority of items collected were those washed up from the sea according to Mr Waggott.

He said: “If we want cleaner beaches and to make better use of them, more local businesses to thrive and more people to visit Dover, then we all have to work together. I can categorically say that the port is and will play its part.”

Charlotte Coombes, the MCS report’s author, said the county had some particular circumstances which contributed to the high levels.

She said: “It is quite a busy part of the coast, and very attractive to visitors and you have got the shipping and fishing industries nearby.

“So it probably one of the areas of the coast that’s under pressure.”

Mr Waggott said: “Let’s pull together and talk about what we are doing to talk Dover up instead of down,”

“We must all get behind what matters to make this community strong and prosperous.”