WHITSTABLE cockles and mussels are back on the menu after a three-and-a-half month ban.

The harvesting areas were closed at the beginning of February because of diarrhetic shellfish poisoning,caused by a toxic algae.

Local businesses were unable to supply restaurants or catering companies and many people feared their future was in doubt. At Seasalter Shellfish, managing director John Bayes said two staff had lost their jobs. "One left voluntarily and the other was laid off," he said. "It was a very difficult time for us. We had no idea how long the beds would be closed and we just couldn't afford to keep paying the staff."

But after two consecutive negative results for the algae, the beds were re-opened. Mr Bayes said he hoped to be able to start farming cockles again next year. "The oysters are okay and that's the main thing," he said. "The cockles could do with a rest anyway because people tend to overfish them."