Cockle bed closure in Burry Inlet

Cockle beds in the Burry Inlet have been closed following the discovery of higher than normal levels of E Coli.

Swansea Council has issued a Notice of Temporary Closure of Production Areas in the South Eastern Burry Inlet cockle bed for shellfish gathering.

In the meantime, the beaches remain open to the public and waters are safe to bathe in.

The Notices were issued following advice from the Food Standards Agency Wales and the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aqua Science.

It came after samples of shellfish taken earlier this week by Swansea Council from the Burry Inlet detected high levels of E Coli.

Ann Rodway, Swansea Council’s Food and Safety Officer, said: “Following the positive tests for E Coli we have taken appropriate action to close the bed until we are assured that shellfish in the area are safe for public consumption.

“Officers are putting notices along the entry points to the bed and are informing shellfish gatherers and producers that these activities must cease until further notice.

“We understand the concerns of gatherers and producers in the area and we would all like to see the bed re-open as soon as possible. In the meantime, our priority must be to protect public health.

“The closure of the shellfish bed does not in any way affect recreational use of the beaches. There is no health risk to beach users, but they must not collect or eat cockles.”