A public meeting is being held next week to debate why the threat to close Cromer Crab Company is the 'tip of the iceberg' for the north Norfolk shellfishing industry.

Keynote speakers will talk about how the industry is being put under pressure by offshore wind farm developments, scientific research and planned marine conservation zones along and off the coast.

Cromer Crab Company owner Young's Seafood is in the second half of a 90-day consultation about the future of the plant, with closure an option because of cost pressures.

The North Norfolk News set up a Claws Off campaign, while a North Norfolk Labour Party Keep it Cromer campaign gleaned thousands of signatures on a petition demanding the factory be retained.

The public meeting, at Briston Community Centre on December 9 at 7pm, will hear from the following speakers:

? Dave Chambers, a local fisherman and processor who will talk about the current situation from a fisherman's perspective

? Dale Rodmell from the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations - the impact on the North Sea of marine conservation zones and wind farm developments

? North Norfolk fisherman Dave Little - the requirement for scientific research into the current situation in the north Norfolk waters and a view on trends for the future

? Ian Groves, Flag project co-ordinator - the opportunity to the industry offered by the Flag scheme

? Trevor Ivory, cabinet member at North Norfolk District Council - the importance of the Cromer crab and shellfish industry to north Norfolk.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. There will be opportunities to join in the debate.