The weather was beautiful across Wales this weekend, but the rubbish left behind was a different story.

Days before a relaxation of the lockdown rules in Wales, bottles, barbecues, food packets and plastic bags could be seen on various Welsh beaches at the end of the day on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31.

Some residents who came across the mess said it was the worst they had seen it for a while.

This was the rubbish found by Port Talbot residents on Aberavon Beach on Sunday morning.

Rubbish left on Aberavon Beach
Residents tried their best to pick up the litter
Alcohol boxes, glass and plastic was amongst the mess

One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she often takes a bag to collect rubbish as she walks along the beach with her dog, but this time it was particularly "awful".

She said: "We live right by there and I could see how busy the beach was on Saturday night. There was so much glass, canisters, plastic left there.

"I got up early to walk the dogs before it got hot and took black bags and rubber gloves, but wasn’t really prepared for the amount of rubbish I found. A few other early morning dog walkers saw me and helped as well.

"It probably took an hour to clear just a small section, but at least I knew it would be safe for families and other dog walkers who might be visiting. It's probably just a few small groups that don’t care but just really disappointing."

The situation wasn't much different at Tor Bay Beach in Gower, Swansea.

The picture shows glass bottles and bags full rubbish mindlessly dumped on Sunday.

Rubbish left at Tor Bay, Gower

Passerby Shaun Cullen described what he saw as "completely disrespectful" and said someone had also defecated on the path nearby.

He said: "Not only is this completely disrespectful to the area and the wildlife, but it’s also very dangerous dropping rubbish and glass bottles for a dog or person to stand on.

"If you are visiting any of our beautiful beaches please be respectful and do not leave your rubbish behind."

A few miles away on Swansea Beach, residents said they spent two hours on Sunday clearing rubbish from just a small area of sand.

Rubbish at Swansea Beach on Sunday
Cans, cardboard boxes and more left at Swansea Beach
A bin near Swansea's waterfront

Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford announced significant changes to the Welsh coronavirus lockdown on Friday, allowing people to relax on the beach with another household at a social distance.

However, the changes were only coming into effect from Monday, June 1.

Though there may have been some people with legitimate reasons to take a rest while out walking, sitting down to drink and socialise was not permitted over the weekend.

Lots of alcohol cans, bottles and cardboard could be seen scattered near the shore. A bin at the waterfront was also seen bursting full at around 6pm on Sunday.

North Dock in Lanelli was no exception, according to locals, who took pictures of bags of rubbish left in the car park near the beach.

Rubbish near North Dock, Llanelli
Lots of cars parked near the seafront in Llanelli

According to Sean Rees, Llanelli Town Councillor for Glanymor Ward, large groups gathered in the area over the weekend excessively drinking and littering.

He also said a number of cars had been parked in dangerous places so people could enjoy the beach.

“There is nothing wrong with people being out and about for exercise especially in this weather. The majority of people are being responsible but sadly some are ruining it for everyone else," he said.

“Many residents are concerned about groups gathering drinking and littering in the area which is not acceptable.

 “There is also confusion as the Beach Car Park is closed by the County Council yet at the same time the latest Welsh Government guidance is stating people can travel to and use beaches within a five-mile radius to their homes. This has led to a number of cars parking on the double yellows which is dangerous. 

“Health and safety must always come first. I’ve written to both Dyfed Powys Police and Carmarthenshire County Council to urge them to review this situation and identify a safe solution for everyone.”

Finally, it might not quite be a beach, but Gwent Police reported rubbish left at Blaencuffin Quarry on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the beauty spot being closed because of the restrictions, it didn't stop people from gathering and leaving rubbish at the site.

Blaencuffin Quarry on Sunday afternoon
Rubbish left down Blaencuffin Quarry
Glass bottles left on the ground

A spokesman for Gwent Police posted on social media: "Back down Blaencuffin Quarry (private land). People still don't think the rules are there for good reasons, or are they just being selfish?"