Pebble pinchers to be prosecuted

Pebble pinching is illegal

A clampdown is underway on illegal pebble pilfering from a popular beach in North Somerset.

Anyone caught taking pebbles home from Clevedon beach may be taken to court, says the local council.

"The pebbles act as a habitat for the insects and spiders on which our colony of breeding birds live on," said Adrian Akester, from North Somerset Council.

Extra rangers are now on patrol, and if caught, people will initially be asked to return pebbles to the beach.

But Mr Akester added: "If we can get enough evidence we will take action, prosecute people and take them to court."