Council begins cull of toxic caterpillars

♦ Thousands of toxic caterpillars are to be removed from cliffs on the Norfolk coast this week.

Footpaths in Cromer have been taped off to protect holidaymakers from coming into contact with the brown-tail moth caterpillars. The insects, which grow to between a quarter and one and a half inches in length, can trigger severe rashes, headaches and breathing problems.

A spokesman for North Norfolk council said: “In response to public concerns we will remove and destroy some of the caterpillars one afternoon/ evening in the next few days.”