Responding to concerns about the state of Warwick Long Bay, Government this week urged residents to use trash bins and not ride horses on the sand.

Former United Bermuda Party Works and Engineering Minister Quinton Edness criticised Government for lack of action over the large amounts of Sargasso weed, trash and manure accumulated on the beach.

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield said Parks Department crews spent hours on Thursday and Friday hand-cleaning the beach.

But she said it was unsafe for mechanical cleaners to go on the beach because of the exposed and shifting nature of the sand caused by erosion.

And the beach was not one of the most heavily-used during the summer, she added.

"The Parks Department does a good job maintaining our beaches in the pristine condition that we expect, but we also need the co-operation of the public," said Ms Butterfield.

"People who use the beach should make sure that they do not leave the garbage on the beach. Horse riders are also aware that it is against the law to ride horses on the beaches at this time of the year.

"Unfortunately, they do so anyway, causing the pollution we see on Warwick Long Bay. It is a question of taking responsibility for looking after our beautiful beaches so that all visitors and residents can enjoy them.

"As far as the Sargasso weed is concerned, the large amounts washing up in Warwick Long Bay recently are occasional, not continuous.

"We have to accept that because Bermuda is located in the middle of the Sargasso Sea, this natural phenomenon is bound to occur. Seaweed has its environmental benefits, used as fertiliser and as food for wading birds and crabs.

"In the past, large amounts of seaweed that washed up on the beach were seen as a windfall, not as an eyesore.

"While it may be desirable to keep this beach clean, it could not be cost-effective for us to devote staff people to remove seaweed from Warwick Long Bay on a daily basis. Warwick Long Bay is a beautiful beach, but it is not the most heavily-used."