Survey results 2009

• Almost 80%, were satisfied with the beaches overall in Thanet which is an increase in satisfaction levels since last Summer (75% in 2008).
• Satisfaction levels were on the whole quite high, with over three quarters of people satisfied with the cleanliness of the beach and accessibility to the beach.
• Almost half of respondents were Thanet residents, almost 20% were from London and a quarter were from elsewhere in the UK.
• When asked how often they visit the beaches, responses were mixed although a small majority (almost 30%) visited them at least once a week.
• The most popular reasons for visiting the beach was for a family day out and also to get out into the fresh air.  These were the same top two priorities as last year, although this summer a family day out was the top reason for the majority of people (over 40%).
• The thing which had influenced most people’s decision to visit the beach was nearness to home.  This was the case for those who live in Thanet (85%), those in East Kent and also for those in the rest of Kent.  Word of mouth was the most popular reason for those living in London, and word of mouth and e-mail/e-newsletter had most influenced those living elsewhere in the UK.
• Toilets and litter bins (including collection from the bins) were the areas which had slightly higher levels of dissatisfaction, however people were still more generally satisfied than dissatisfied with these things.
• Viking Bay was the beach that most people had visited, although Botany Bay, Margate Main Sands and Botany Bay were also popular.
• Botany Bay and Stone Bay were people’s most favourite beaches.
• The majority of people, almost two-thirds, would describe their three favourite beaches as family beaches.  Swimming, scenic and walking beaches were the next most popular choice.

• The thing most people liked about Thanet beaches was the cleanliness, the things they liked least were issues relating to dogs and seaweed.

• Most people did know that the chalk reefs are internationally important for wildlife, over 50% had heard of the Thanet Coast Project but most people had not heard of the Thanet Coastal Codes.

Back to main beaches and bays consultation 2009 page

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