Clean up in Brighton and Hove as shingle and debris washed ashore from Storm Goretti
Teams say there is a high risk of contamination from the seawater and broken parts of the container
Last updated 15th Jan 2026
Brighton & Hove City Council teams say they have been working to clear the seafront and keep residents safe over the last few days, after shingle and debris washed up following Storm Goretti.
It brought high tides and strong winds, pushing large amounts of shingle around, including onto promenades and access points.
The situation has been compounded by shipping containers that fell from a vessel near the Isle of Wight last year being washed up along the south coast. Due to the storm, consumer items and food goods have come ashore in Brighton & Hove this week.
While the materials themselves are not hazardous, there is a high risk of contamination from the seawater and broken parts of the container. The council has urged people not to put themselves at risk and keep away from the water's edge, avoid handing debris or taking items home and keeping pets away from anything that's washed ashore.
Council teams and contractors say they are clearing the debris where it is safe to and logging the items found. They add it will take time due to the amount of items, as well as the size and weight of some of the bulky pieces of container, and the way it has spread along the coast.
Councillor Birgit Miller, Cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said: “Our coastline continues to feel the impact of Storm Goretti, with both shingle and unexpected debris arriving in quick succession.
“Our teams are working hard to make the area safe and clear routes.
“We’ve also seen hundreds of residents getting involved in helping to clean up. It’s really shown Brighton & Hove at its best.
“I want to thank you for that support and for your patience. We’ll likely see more items washed up and more shingle moved around as stormy weather continues.
“Please follow the safety advice and don’t put yourself at risk. Keep out of the water, keep your dogs on leads and don’t take items home. And if you’re helping clean up, wear gloves – you can also use the litter pickers available.
“This week’s events highlight the importance of the coastal protection work currently taking place in Hove, which will help to prevent something similar from happening in the future.
“A new groyne field will help to prevent shingle washing up onto the promenade, to protect homes and businesses from flooding and erosion and to make our city more resilient to increasing storms, extreme rainfall and rising sea levels.”