Shellfish enthusiasts, take note! A popular shellfish harvesting area known as Stubborn Sands in Heacham has been temporarily shut down due to alarming bacteria levels.

King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council announced the closure after E.coli levels during routine testing soared above safe limits. This action aims to safeguard public health, with officials urging locals to avoid harvesting shellfish, particularly cockles.

A council spokesman explained, "Our ongoing shellfish sampling program revealed that a recent sample from the Stubborn Sands INNER area exceeded permitted thresholds." This precautionary measure is necessary to ensure the safety of shellfish consumed in the area.

The closure is expected to last at least until September, partly because of a seasonal closure that has been in effect for the past two years during August, linked to historically poor test results.

While the affected beds impact a private fishery and local rights holders, most Wash fishing crews will not be significantly impacted by this closure, according to the council.

It’s important to note that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulates commercial shellfish harvesting in the Borough, mandating that all shellfish come from monitored and classified zones.

Unfortunately, the Heacham beach area has been classified as poor by the Environment Agency since 2021, and the reasons behind the high bacteria levels remain a topic of debate among locals and experts.

Stay tuned for updates and ensure your shellfish plates are free from contamination!