One of the Island’s beaches has been branded a disgrace by a visitor.

Michael Vick lives in Sittingbourne and often pops over to enjoy a stroll along the seafront.

But on his most recent visit last week, he was appalled to see the Leysdown stretch littered with glass, broken bottles, cans and other rubbish.

He complained to Swale council and was told not the whole stretch is the responsibility of its beach cleaners but he feels as the local authority it is up to them to make sure it looks attractive to tourists.

The council looks after the land on the north Sheppey coast from Shellness through to Garrison Point but there is an area at Warden Point and a section between Leysdown and Warden Bay which are privately maintained.

However, a Swale spokesman said when it receives complaints, officers will liaise with those responsible to request cleaning.

The Island’s beaches are patrolled daily by council staff.

Mr Vick, 63, says it’s nonsense the council won’t take responsibility for all of it when it’s in a state.

“It’s a public beach and you would think they would want people to come to the borough,” he said.

“It really was a tip and something needs to be done about it.

“One of the only assets the borough has got is its beaches.

“It’s a disgrace. How would you feel if you went to Spain, walked along and it was filthy? You wouldn’t go back.

“I couldn’t believe it – I would expect it to be halfway decent and appealing to visitors and it really isn’t.”

The dad-of-two says he feels it could be really nice at the eastern end without too much effort and suggested the council should get prisoners on the community pay back scheme to clear up.

The council spokesman said the use of inmates could be considered but there is a large waiting list for their labour.

Swale’s cabinet member for environment and rural affairs, Cllr David Simmons, said: “Beaches on Sheppey are of real value to the borough and their quality was recognised earlier this year with an award.

“It’s important for everyone to do their part and help in keeping the areas clean. Use the bins provided and help us to keep Swale a better and cleaner place.”