Open fires and debris left on Falmouth's beaches could be cause enough for concern to hire a council officer wearing body armour and a video camera to monitor the beach, according to town councillors.

On Monday night, Falmouth Town Council discussed a proposal to hire a full time member of staff to monitor the beaches and stop people from having bonfires on the beach and leaving debris.

There was a great deal of support for the idea from councillors, but objections were also raised about the high costs that would likely be involved in hiring a new member of staff.

Concerns were also raised about the safety of the council officer who would have to monitor the beaches, as the job would involve approaching people at night and stopping them from having bonfires. The suggestion that the officer could be given body armour and body worn video cameras was put forward to ensure their safety.

With the summer months coming up and residents and holidaymakers destined to descend on the beaches en masse, the number of open fires is likely to increase, as is the amount of rubbish.

The town's beaches have faced issues with litter in the past, and in October a piano was left on Swanpool beach by students who were doing a photo shoot. Just one week later a sofa was on Gyllyngvase beach in front of a bonfire pit and litter that had not been properly cleared away.

Councillors proposed hiring a beach officer on a trial basis for the next six months to cover the busy season, but this was eventually rejected due to the fact that the costs were uncertain. In the end, it was decided that Falmouth councillors would meet with the county councillor Geoffrey Evans to discuss the issue further.