Yarmouth MP Tony Wright, who has written to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), told local newspapers that the possible link between dredging from aggregates and coastal erosion was 'an issue that has concerned him for years.'

The Yarmouth MP had already called for a moratorium on dredging for aggregates in the region. 'I have been told there is no scientific evidence that dredging affects coastal erosion, but it seems only common sense to me. If you dig a hole on the beach, it fills up with the sand around it' he said, noting that his theory is supported by retired University of East Anglia technician Patrick Gowen, who heads the North Sea Action Group.

Campaigners concerned about the erosion of the Norfolk coastline have claimed that dredging is partly to blame, noting that around 10 million tonnes of sand and gravel are dredged off the East Anglian coast each year. Last year, a 30m stretch of land in Happisburgh was lost to the sea, taking a number of properties with it, and Winterton, near Great Yarmouth, has receded 64m in six years.