Kelp cannot be removed from beyond this part of the beach. Photo: Provided

The Department of Environmental Affairs has confirmed that kelp cannot be removed from beyond the specified section of Melkbosstrand beach (see the accompanying map).

But there’s a problem with this. Apparently some residents, described as “repeat requesters” object to the sight of the kelp on the beach. The head of the Atlantic Division of Solid Waste Cleansing, Xolisile Mama, has been asked to remind his workers not to remove kelp from the area beyond that which is outlined on the accompanying map.

Mama has also been asked to return as much sand and shell grit as possible to the beach in order to dress the ‘lip’ that has formed at the grass edge.