Just one area of the Thames in south Essex remains open to cocklers after the ban on removing shellfish was extended.

The London Port Health Authority widened the no-go area after discovering toxins in shellfish during routine tests.

Phoenix, West Shoebury Island, Maplin Sands West, North East Maplin Sands and Foulness Sands were already off-limits to cocklers.

But the area around the Corporation Jetty has now also been closed - leaving just Chapman Sands open. The ban applies to the removal of shellfish such as mussels, oysters, clams and cockles.

Published Thursday November 7, 2002

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