Advice against bathing remains in place (update Tuesday 22 June)

Following a continued clean up operation and regular inspections around the coast, advice for beach users not to enter the sea or the area of beach below the high water mark remains in place today (Tuesday 22 June). 

This advice covers the following bays:  

• Minnis Bay
• West Bay
• St Mildreds Bay
• Westbrook
• Margate Main Sands
• Walpole Bay
• Palm Bay
• Foreness
• Botany Bay
• Kingsgate Bay
• Joss Bay

Signs remain in place at these beaches to inform members of the public.

This follows an incident at the Southern Water Margate Wastewater Pumping Station on Thursday 17 June and the recent heavy rainfall.

Guidance not to enter the sea will only be lifted once it is considered safe and appropriate to do so, in liaison with the Environment Agency.

Thanet District Council teams remain out to assess the coastline. Although ongoing visual inspections have shown an improving picture, there is still evidence of an impact around the coast.

Operational meetings are taking place on a daily basis to continue to assess the situation.

Council Leader, Cllr Ash Ashbee has written to the Chief Executive of Southern Water  to express her concerns following the incident. A meeting is to take place today between the two agencies.

A compensation scheme for local businesses has been made available by Southern Water and business owners affected by this incident are advised to make a claim. Local businesses affected should contact Barry.Woodham@southernwater.co.uk in the first instance.