Hayle Sand Removal From UK Beach Halted After Public Outcry

People are upset about sand removal from a local beach. They claim a small win since it stopped for now. The river dredging at Hayle and sand removal caused concern. Sand went to Hayle North Quay then was sold.

The harbour authority claims dredging keeps the harbor open. They said sand sales pay for dredging and repairs. Locals fear sand removal harms the whole bay. St Ives Bay is a “single sand cell,” they explained.

A cease and desist order stopped sand removal. It happened January 30, halting diggers. A public meeting followed a closed-door discussion. They aimed to find sustainable dredging solutions. Hayle Town Council, an MP, and agencies attended. Cornwall Council and developers were absent.

One resident said they are digging, not dredging and feels the process harms the environment. Another resident accused them of lying about dredging. She said trucks take away valuable golden sand. Locals monitor this, claiming the sand is not from the channel. She said it’s a world heritage site being abused.

Someone said digging worsened dune erosion to Gwithian. The beach is a metre lower, she claimed. Money from the beach does not benefit the community. It is all for “fat cats,” she said. A meeting report noted concern about sand removal’s impact. Unless dredging is harmless, they want to discourage it.

Receding dunes are a worry, needing a “sustainable” approach. The town council wants Cornwall Council consulted for future dredging. Cornwall Council received complaints about sand removal’s impact. They issued a notice to stop dredging.

Cornwall Council said they are investigating and talking to developers. The harbour authority said dredging is allowed by law. Sand sales help maintain the harbour, but the sales barely cover costs.

The deputy mayor proposed alternatives like reinstating sluicing. He wants a ban on beach dredging and sand removal. Sand must be replenished, he suggested. They also want cooperation within the bay. He wants pressure on the harbour authority and developers. It concerns harbor wall repairs and beach access.

He said they support river dredging, but oppose taking beach sand. He said sand must stay in the bay. The proposal passed unanimously by town councillors.