Mayor puts foot down over rude behavior ruining public beach: Common courtesy

A local council in Australia has been forced to ban people from securing public beachside huts with plastic wrap, in a new trend that has infuriated residents.Beachgoers were securing beachside gazebos at North Wollongong’s beach by wrapping plastic wrap around them, with Wollongong Council putting up new signs to rid of the practice.“This is a shared public space,” the signs along Cliff Road read.“The use of cling wrap or any material to enclose picnic shelters is prohibited.” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Tania Brown told news.com.au she was disappointed that council had to erect the signs.Brown also said council rangers have been ordered to “remove” the wrapping if they find it. “It is unfortunate that we have had to erect signage to remind people of this, but I would hope people show common courtesy to one another when it comes to shared spaces and facilities,” she said. “The beauty [of the beaches] lies in the fact that these are public spaces for everyone to enjoy, and the vast majority of people do enjoy them as such.”  Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Please provide a valid email address.By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Never miss a story.Wollongong resident Cath Lea said the practice has been going on for the 23 years she has lived in the area. “This has been happening along the main beach area in city beach for as long as I can remember,” she wrote online in response to the council’s move.“This is very, very common.”The move from the council comes as debate rages over beachgoers securing spots on the beach with cabanas. Even Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighed in on the cabana drama last week, saying the behavior was “not on” when asked on the “Today” show. “Prime Minister, you are the leader of the nation and I want to ask you this very, very important...