THE BOSS of New Quay’s lifeboat team has called for experts to examine the amount of shells being deposited on the beach.

Quay Fresh and Frozen Foods Ltd are seeking a renewal of their licence allowing them to deposit clean, crushed whelk shells in the waters off the coastal resort.

Residents who say the shells cause injuries to beachwalkers and damage boat engines attended a drop-in session outlining the plans.

And Roger Couch, lifeboat operations manager of New Quay RNLI, has voiced concerns that the density of the shells may have an adverse effect on water craft – including New Quay lifeboat.

“There’s a really high density of shellfish material and that’s

something they need to look at,” he told the Cambrian News.

“I have drawn the attention of Natural Resources Wales to issues that may effect our equipiment."

Last month locals spoke of their frustration at seeing the town’s beaches “littered” with shellfish waste.

The Quay Fresh licence – originally granted back in the mid 1990s – is renewed every three years.

Natural Resources Wales has pledged to carry out an in-depth assessment of the application.

Quay Fresh had not commented when Cambrian News went to press.

For the full story, see this week’s Cambrian News, in shops now