OAK ISLAND, NC (WECT) – Walking down the beach can be a relaxing experience for those who enjoy the coast, but leaders in Oak Island are worried about a problem that keeps popping up.

Town leaders say they have a problem with giant holes on the beach, creating a safety hazard for beach-goers.

Some holes are large enough for a small child or a pet to fall inside and hurt themselves if they aren't paying attention.

Jo Tilghman has spent hours walking along the shore ever since she was a child.  But now, she does more of a dodge, avoiding the large holes that can be a problem.

"I'm concerned for people's safety," said Tilghman.  "It's fun to dig holes but it's a hazard for walkers."

While town leaders encourage people to have fun while visiting the beach, it's against the law to dig holes if the sand isn't replaced.

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (AP/WECT) – The Wilmington metropolitan area is getting smaller, at least as far as the federal government is concerned.

There are reports that Brunswick County has been moved into the Myrtle Beach, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The move by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget reflects 2010 Census figures showing much of the growth in southern Brunswick County nearer the South Carolina state line.

Congressman Mike McIntyre released the following statement on Brunswick County being removed from the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area:

“It makes no practical, economic, or common sense for Brunswick County to be pulled out of the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and placed in the Myrtle Beach MSA.  Our office is working with local officials and leaders to gather information so that we can appropriately respond to this unfortunate decision.  We will do all that we can to reverse this decision.”

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The NC Coastal Federation and Oak Island are looking for volunteers to help build two oyster reefs along the shoreline of Waterway Park on Oak Island next week.

According to a press release, the building will take place Wednesday, March 20 and Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

NC Coastal Federation said the oyster reefs are part of a project by the town and the federation to restore estuarine shoreline.

The volunteers will take part in a project orientation, reef building, and fun educational activities.

The project will create two oyster reefs 200 feet long and eight feet wide, according to a press release from the NC Coastal Federation. They will work as a living shoreline to slow down erosion.

This event is suitable for all ages. Federation educators will pull seine nets with students and volunteers and offer fun educational activities focused on oyster and salt marsh habitat.