MORECAMBE Bay is a very dangerous place and no amount of permits or regulations can change that fact.

So says a Morecambe Bay cockle picker this week - and he believes another tragedy could be just around the corner because lessons from the events of a year ago have not been learned.

The man, who we have agreed not to name, says that people still take risks on the treacherous sands where 23 Chinese cocklers perished when caught by the fast-rising tide on February 5 last year..

"The tide still comes in quickly; the sands are still dangerous, nothing has changed about the Bay," says the cockler from Morecambe.

"I have been doing this for around 20 years and after all that time I still do not know the sands and the Bay.

"Sometimes I will not go out because of the conditions but I see others cockling when people like me stop. So much has been said and promised after what happened last year but all we seem to have is the permit scheme.

"That's fine as far as it goes it makes sure people are allowed to work in this country but it says nothing about competence.

"Anyone can get a permit and people do not know what the Bay is like.

"It isn't just the water. It gets so cold and misty. People can get disorientated very easily out there," says the cockler.

"The money to be made is good but in the past I have taken lads out there and they have gone back to shore because they can't feel their fingers after a few minutes.

"The money makes it worthwhile for lots of people - but too many of them do not know what it is like or what to expect when they go out there.

"You can get used to the cold and people can get used to the money but you can't get used to Morecambe Bay."