PILES of waste and expanding foam have been scattered around Hilbre Island as council-contracted workers carry out controversial support work to the cliff face at the island.

A town hall spokesman said the work is "essential" with the first phase to infill a cave with the foam "as it will strengthen part of the cliff face where movement has been noted."

The representative said poor weather had resulted in some of the plastic being swept across the island.

Additionally, residents believe that containers of the toxic chemical Isocyanate have been left for at least two weeks in close proximity to the only tourist path on the island.

In a letter to a local councillor, one resident wrote: “This lovely island is a big tourist attraction and it’s the height of the holiday season.

“Whilst I was collecting the bits I could reach, a group of Belgian tourists came up and asked me where all the mess was from. I was tempted to say that it was our council working for us.

“Why has this iconic Wirral tourist attraction been despoiled like this?

“Who is going to remove all of the polystyrene from the cave and from around the islands to properly dispose of it?

"Or will it just be bricked up and forgotten about until the wall fails? Which probably wouldn’t be long judging by their workmanship.

“Will all of the builders sand and other rubble be scraped carefully off of the vegetation on which it has been stored? If not, the native vegetation will suffer.”

Hilbre Island is a Local Nature Reserve and hosts many vulnerable wildlife species, it is also part of the Dee Estuary SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest).

It has been recognised as a unique place to see wading birds and wildfowl for hundreds of years and shelters important populations of wetland species, especially birds.

There is legal protection for the wild life and penalties for disturbing breeding species.

Hilbre Island is owned and maintained by Wirral Council, who have a responsibility to look after the site and protect the environment for such species.

A spokesman for the council said: “The work taking place at Hilbre is essential as it will strengthen support for part of the cliff face where movement has been noted.

"This work is taking place in three distinct phases, with the first phase – to infill a cave beneath the cliff – beginning last week.

“Unfortunately, severe weather conditions over the weekend had caused damage to this initial work and resulted in some of the materials used being blown across the island.

"Council officers and the contractors have been on-site today to assess the damage, arrange for it to be cleared up urgently and carry on with the essential remedial works this week.

“We appreciate the concern shown by visitors to Hilbre over the weekend and would like to reassure everyone that we absolutely share their desire to see the islands’ distinct qualities and beauty maintained to the highest possible standard while this work is taking place and long into the future.”