North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb handed over letters today from concerned coastal residents to Environment Minister Richard Benyon.

The letters express worries about government plans to create a Marine Conservation Zone on the north Norfolk coastline.

Many Blakeney residents and other coast-users fear the proposals, which include no-go Reference Areas where human activity would be banned or severely curtailed, are too restrictive.

They have written to Mr Benyon to express concerns relating to a number of traditional activities that local residents have been doing for centuries.

Mr Lamb said: 'Given the strength of feeling on this issue, I felt it was right to deliver the letters in person and to explain to Richard Benyon why people are so concerned. A lot of people have raised this subject with me.

'It is important to strike the right balance between protecting our unique coastline, and allowing people to enjoy it as they have always done.

There is a very strong view that if there is no evidence of damage then there is no case for restricting people's legitimate activities.'

Norfolk County Councillor Marie Strong, who represents Wells, added:

'Residents of north Norfolk parishes other than the coastal area have urged me to express their concern as to the possibility of access being restrictive. The residents of our hinterland say these are our marshes too and we strongly support the wishes of our coastal neighbours.'