Licence group makes Solway swoop

GLA officers carried out checks on the Solway Firth

The Gangmasters Licensing Authority has staged a check on cockling activity on the Scottish side of the Solway Firth.

From 7 April anyone running a cockle gang without one of its permits could face up to 10 years in prison.

The authority is keen to encourage legal gangmasters to report anyone who they suspect of operating without a licence in the area.

The GLA came into being in April 2005 as a result of the Morecambe Bay tragedy in which 21 cocklers died.

Chief executive Mike Wilson said it was a question of working with local authorities and gangmasters.

The impression is too easily given that this is an industry full of rogues Mike Wilson Gangmasters Licensing Authority

"There have been a number of local schemes to regulate beds and this is a very good example here on the Solway," he said.

"We are delighted to dovetail with that in enforcing the main offence under the Gangmasters Act which is using labour without a licence."

Uptake of the licences has been slow but it is hoped this will pick up as beds become busier in the weeks ahead.

Mr Wilson said he hoped the legislation could improve the reputation of cockling gangs.

'Decent people'

"Gangmasters are expected to show that they are properly employing and paying the workers they use," he said.

"The impression is too easily given that this is an industry full of rogues.

"It is not, it is basically decent people trying to earn a decent living."

A number of rescues took place last year when coastguards were called out to assist cocklers on the Solway.

Sector coastguard Tony Wood said it was a "very, very high risk" practice, particularly at night and for people who did not know the area and its tides.