People in one part of Merseyside are angry after finding out a popular beach will be out of bounds this week - having been sprayed with chemicals.
According to a sign on Hoylake beach, the area will be sprayed with glyphosate today (Wednesday), tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday of this week.
The sign - posted by Wirral Council - says there is an exclusion from the beach until the spray is dry on the plants.
It also says no picking vegetation from the beach from August 7-31.
Some people are unhappy this is being done during the summer - when the beach is most likely to be used.
Sam Trafford said: "It's the school holidays. How long till the beach is safe for kids?
"What is the point in this? It's well established that the grass is thriving because of drainage issues. And who on earth wants a bald beach anyway?"
Jade Wright said: "Why are chemicals which stop us using the beach a good idea?"
Marie Watson said: "This is disgraceful. But unfortunately the spraying appears to be a response to actual people asking for it. The alternatives need to be explored."
Others are in favour of the procedure - which is said to control the grasses on the beach.
Aaron Hayes said: "Brilliant news. Will save the beach from becoming overgrown."
Paul Ikin said: "Great news, about time."
Claire Rafferty added: "The majority of Hoylake residents will see this as a good thing."
A spokesman for Wirral Council said: “We are undertaking the annual spraying to control the grasses on the beach, including invasive species, primarily Spartina.
"The spraying is undertaken as part of an agreement with the appropriate regulatory bodies, in this case Natural England. Spraying is undertaken by qualified staff using a glyphosate-based product, which is fully licensed."
