New Cockling Licence

THE MP for Southend West and Leigh celebrated a recent success for the longevity of Leigh’s cockling industry.

 Labour MP David Burton-Sampson welcomed the implementation of a new cockling licence, which was introduced in Parliament in mid-November, and which now means that The Kent & Essex inshore fishing & Conservation authority (IFCA) can now issue new licences.

 This followed the expiration of the old licence law, which ran out in October, which is the end of the Cockle season.

 The implementation of this law had been delayed by the General Election, so did not come into operation on December 18.

 Mr. Burton-Sampson visited Osborne’s Café & Fishmonger in the Old Town, to meet owners Andrew Lawrence and Graham Osborne, and discuss their business and future plans for growth.

 Mr. Burton-Sampson said: “We are delighted, after working closely with DEFRA, that the future of the cockle industry in Southend and Leigh is assured for many years ahead.

 “Our local fisheries are so important to our economy in Leigh, especially the Cockling industry.

 “I am delighted to be working closely with the industry to look at what further support they need to take business to the next level.”

 Peter Wexham, independent Leigh Town councillor for Elms Ward and a long-time fisherman in Leigh said: “This has to be a fresh start, so all those interested have to apply from scratch to meet the criteria laid down and apply this month, and there is a rush to sort this out before the Cockle season starts in July.”

 Coun Wexham, who is also a committee member of the Kent & Essex IFCA, added there there was a slight time pressure to get everything ready in time for the season: “There will be 15 licences issued, but there will probably be twice that number of applications to go through, to sort out who gets the licences.

 “This needs to be done quickly, so the new licence holders can prepare their boats to go to sea in July.”

Picture: MP Burton-Sampson with Andrew Lawrence and Graham Osborne. Pic Facebook

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