I DID not appreciate Eric's cartoon about the cocklers (LET, August 11), for if he could see the destruction that illegal cocklers have done around the beautiful coastal area of Ulverston, Aldingham and Newbiggin he would feel ashamed of his hilarity.
Most of the cocklers are illegal immigrants. A factory ship has been in Morecambe Bay for more than six weeks. When the cocklers run ahead of the tide, they leave swathes of polythene sheeting, orange net cockle bags and personal effects.
One of the most personal effects is a large minibus which they drove out on to the sands last week and grounded. It is still there, but the oil and petrol is now spread across the bay.
Tonnes and tonnes of cockles have been lifted. Local cockle farmers estimate that it will take at least seven years for the beds to recover.
All this has upset the ecological balance of the whole area.
Cumbria's beaches have been raped!
PAT JONES (Mrs), Bridgefield Street, Hapton, Burnley.
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