SEA dredging at Holderness and coastal erosion are not linked, insists the Government.

Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davie has rejected claims that the loss of land in East Yorkshire can be blamed on dredging, which is typically carried out to provide sand for the construction industry.

Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart called a debate in Parliament saying his constituents believed there is a link.

The East Yorkshire coastline at Holderness is one of the fastest eroding in the world, losing an average of two metres every year.

But in a letter to Mr Stuart, Mr Irranca-Davies said there was a "substantial body of research" proving that dredging was not to blame.

"None of these studies have concluded that current marine aggregate extraction is influencing coastal erosion," said the minister.

"However, given concerns and the potential significance of any such effects, it is important that this type of investigation remains a key consideration in the consenting process."

Mr Stuart said: "The minister has provided a good and extensive answer to my questions on the fears which some constituents have."

But residents remain unconvinced.