Blue crab campaign launched in West Norfolk to highlight environmental message

An unusual visitor has been making an appearance in Hunstanton recently, in a bid to highlight an important environmental message.

Staff from Anglian Water have been painting blue crabs on the seaside town’s kerbs and drain covers to remind residents to be careful about what they pour down the drain.

Surface water or ‘rain drains’ are designed to take excess rain water away from roads and pavements and put it directly out to sea.

Unfortunately, any waste substances wrongly put down these drains could end up polluting our beaches.

Adam Worley, Anglian Water’s coastal catchment manager, said: “Sadly there have been some worrying examples where chemical toilets and food waste has been wrongly emptied into our surface water drains in Norfolk.”

Mr Worley said last summer the company saw waste water from food establishments being emptied into the drains along Hunstanton promenade.

He added: “This may have been an innocent mistake, as many people think the drains go to the sewer, which is why we’re running this campaign.

“We want to raise awareness amongst residents, businesses and holiday makers to help everyone become a little bit more knowledgeable and vigilant.

“If they do, they’ll be helping to protect their much-loved coastline.”

By painting something striking near the rain drains, Mr Worley said the crabs act as a visual reminder to people, companies and contractors that these drains are connected directly to the sea and meant for rainwater only.

“We hope it will prevent any further issues in the future,” he added.

Anglian Water’s coastal protection team work all year round to pinpoint pollution to prevent potential impacts on the region’s beaches and bathing waters.

The company’s Beachcare initiative, run in conjunction with Keep Britain Tidy, is another example of its commitment to fighting pollution, by supporting volunteers to keep the region’s beaches litter-free.

Mr Worley said: “What goes down these drains today could end up on the beach or in the sea the very next day, and that’s why this message is so important for our coastal areas.

“We’d also like to thank the local district and county councils for supporting us with this campaign.”

“As a popular tourist destination, and vital for the local economy, it’s really important to ensure the region’s beaches and bathing waters are kept in tip top shape.”