Floodgates have been shut across a seafront over fears of a higher-than-predicted tide.

Canterbury City Council has voiced concerns strong winds could push seawater towards the coast but says the move is a “precautionary measure at the moment”.

The local authority says the tide will be higher than predicted at 10pm tomorrow.

Wind will swing north-westerly causing a wind-driven surge, so it has taken the decision to close some floodgates.

They are adjustable gates used to control water flow on seafronts in the Canterbury district, which help prevent flooding during high tide.

A city council spokesman said: “No official flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency for these upcoming tides so this is a precautionary measure at the moment.

“Some floodgates will remain open but this doesn’t mean we have forgotten to close them.

“The forecast will be monitored very closely over the next couple of days and, if necessary, we will close further floodgates along our seafront.

“Our staff will be out monitoring the high tides and operating the sluice gates on the coastal brooks to stop the sea flooding inland.”

The city council has floodgates across the district, including in Whitstable and Herne Bay.