Once more there are people on Southend’s foreshore collecting oysters.

Last year at one point, I counted more than 40 people on one day alone collecting vast sacks of the shellfish.

I did tell Southend Council’s foreshore department about this, and after a few weeks they had disappeared.

At least the whole shell was taken away, but now we have people not only collecting the oysters, but, after taking the meat out, they are leaving the shells on the foreshore.

This is little different from leaving broken glass, as the shells are like razors.

Those using the beach, especially children who like to walk out on the mudflats as the tide comes in, cannot see what lies beneath the shallow water.

It is so dangerous.

These people have to be told officially not to do this.

I have spoken to windsurfers who are worried about the shells cutting through their rubber costumes.

It’s about time the council did something about this before there is a serious accident.

M Elliott
Crowstone Avenue
Westcliff