Cocklers have been working at Lafan Sands for nearly three weeks

Up to 70 cocklers have been working on Lafan Sands near Llanfairfechan, for nearly three weeks.

The activity is perfectly legal although the RSPB have expressed worries over the possible future effect on bird feeding grounds if there is over-cockling.

North Wales Police say no problems have been reported.

Inspectors from the North West North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee expect to keep a continuing presence, although it is not clear how long the cocklers will remain.

Martin Boyce, principal fisheries officer said: "As far as we're concerned no fisheries legilsation has been broken but we expect to put enforcement efforts in for a continuing time."

The area is a site of special scientific interest, of particular importance as a winter feeding ground for 4,000 oystercatchers.

Officials are monitoring to ensure there is not over-cockling.

The Countryside Council for Wales is currently studying how reliant oystercatchers at the site are on cockles for their food, so the impact of fishing can be assessed.

It is thought the groups of cockle-pickers moved to north Wales after a cockle-bed was closed in Morecambe Bay, to preserve stocks.

The cases of 14 people arrested last Friday on suspicion of being illegal immigrants have been passed to the immigration service.

A spokeswoman for the Home Office said: "We are in discussions with the Chinese authorities about facilitating their removal."

It is understood the group have been released but have to report regularly to immigration officers.

North Wales Police said there had been no reported problems, since their operation last week.