A health warning has gone out on West Mersea - over a severe infestation of furry brown caterpillars.

At least three people have suffered skin reactions after coming into contact with barbed hairs of the brown-tailed moth caterpillars.

The insects, described as being blackish with brownish warts and which are native to coastal districts, have overwintered in the Broomhills Road area of the town.

Colchester Council's environmental control manager Colin Daines said today: "They are not something to be fiddled around with. Their hairs can cause quite a serious reaction in people.

"If anyone thinks they have an infestation in their gardens they should not wade in there bare-armed or bare-handed to deal with them. They should identify them and then take appropriate action with pyrethroid spray."

Mr Daines said the hairs caused itching, and broke off when scratched, leading to possible infection. More serious problems could occur if a hair went into eyes.

He added borough contractors are to spray council land near the beach where the caterpillars' presence was seen as a public nuisance.

"They are decimating some of the vegetation around there," said Mr Daines. "They are chewing their way through the bushes quite dramatically.

"As far as I know, they have not been a problem on Mersea before. But this seems to be a pocket of infestation which is quite severe."

West Mersea town clerk David Tucker said the council is spraying where the caterpillars have been found, particularly on its land on the corner of Broomhills Road and Victoria Esplanade.

Colchester's assistant curator of natural history Jerry Bowdrey said the mild winter had helped an abundance of the caterpillar.

"They have survived better than normal," he explained. "They live in silken tents which protect them in winter, and then use them as a base to feed from."

Residents wanting advice should contact the environmental protection department on 01206 282581

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