Threat of fines for taking shells from beach

Cumberland Council is warning people not to remove pebbles and shells from beaches

People have been warned they could be fined up to £1,000 for removing pebbles or shells from beaches.

Cumberland Council said it is unlawful under the Coast Protection Act to take natural materials including sand from the shoreline.

The council said it wants to educate people about the harm removing shells can cause to the environment.

But Cumbrian residents have said collecting shells is part of the fun of going to the seaside.

Shells and pebbles act as a natural barrier protecting land from coastal erosion, according to Neil Dixon from Cumberland Council.

"Although it might seem harmless to remove a few stones and pebbles from our beaches it is actually quite detrimental to the delicate ecosystem that is situated here," he said.

The council said it is wants to educate people rather than enforce fines.

Steve Emery believes collecting shells is part of the fun of going to the beach

Residents of Allonby in Cumbria gave their reaction to the news.

Steve Emery said: "[For] young kids and families, it's part of being at the seaside. It's part of the history of Allonby."

Scott MacKinnon said taking home shells gives you a "souvenir of your day" and people should only be fined if they are "taking loads".

But despite collecting shells as a child, Elaine Slack now believes they should be left on the beach.

Bob Kelly, executive member for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services, said: "I understand people’s reluctance to follow this guidance, as I have been a collector of shells myself.

"But taking a pebble or a shell from a beach can in fact damage the environment."