People taking sand from Felixstowe beach to grit their driveways and the road outside their homes were warned today that they are stealing.

FELIXSTOWE: People taking sand from Felixstowe beach to grit their driveways and the road outside their homes were warned today that they are stealing.

The Evening Star was told several people had been going down to the shore to get buckets of sand to try to provide some grip to get their cars back on the road.

However, the beach is owned by Suffolk Coastal council and the area below low tide by the Crown Estates on behalf of the Queen.

Town and district councillor Doreen Savage said: “They would certainly be stealing if they take sand from the beach - they may even be taking royal sand.

“We had a case a few years ago of a couple who were stealing shingle from the beach, taking several sacks at a time for use to cover parts of their gardens.

“They were caught by the police and given a warning, although they hadn't realised it was stealing.

“With the beach currently covered in snow and everyone busy just looking after themselves and keeping going, I am surprised anyone can be bothered stealing sand off the beach.”

Mrs Savage said taking sand from the shore could also harm the coast.

Beach levels have been dropping along the southern part of the resort and removing sand would only worsen the situation.

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said they had received no reports of anyone stealing sand but if anyone does see incidents of this nature they should report them to Felixstowe police.

Have you seen people stealing sand from Suffolk's beaches? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk