Resort fears over creeping marsh

It is feared that the salt marsh will eventually reach the resort's pier

Growing salt marshes could swamp Cleethorpes beach and ruin the resort's tourism industry, it is feared.

The marsh, which is protected under UK and European law, is spreading across the beach.

Tourism chiefs and the local authority fear more than 3,500 local tourism jobs could be affected if nothing is done to contain the marsh.

They are working with environmentalists to come up with a "sustainable solution" to the problem.

Chris Shaw, from Cleethorpes Tourism Forum, told BBC News: "There's three-and-a-half miles of solid salt marsh and eventually right up to the pier will all be under greenery.

"There won't be any beach left so therefore there'll be nowhere for people to come with their buckets and spades."

University study

Councillor Peter Burgess, North East Lincolnshire Council's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "If the salt marsh were allowed to spread along the beach it would have a detrimental effect on the local economy.

"People don't want to come and sit on the sand next to a bog. Otherwise they would just build a sandpit in Yorkshire somewhere and sit there, rather than coming to the coast."

Natural England, an independent public body which aims to protect England's natural environment, said the salt marsh provided a habitat for several rare species.

Bernie Fleming, from the organisation, said: "We understand that Cleethorpes beach plays a very important role in the local leisure economy, but as part of the Humber Estuary we've got to realise that it's also of international importance for its bio diversity."

Mr Fleming said the salt marsh was a "rare, fragile and unique habitat" that should be protected.

The council is having discussions with Natural England about the issue.

Mr Fleming said: "What we're trying to look for here is a sustainable solution, a sustainable leisure industry and a sustainable salt marsh as well."

Experts at the University of Hull are two years into a six-year study commissioned by the council, in which they will assess what impact the marsh is having, and how fast it is spreading.