THE highest tides for 20 years are due along parts of the north Kent coast next month and in October.

Whitstable, Herne Bay and Faversham are among the areas thought to be most at risk.

The Met Office is warning that if such a tidal surge, caused by the position of the moon, coincides with bad weather, the result could be flooding.

The most risky period is likely to be between September 9 and 11 and October 7 to 10.

Keith Fenwick, at the Met Office, said: “We are expecting spring tides in September and October which will be 4cm higher than average. If this coincides with poor weather or low pressure, there could be a risk of flooding, but it’s too soon to say if it will happen.”

Mary Pennell, of the Brogdale Horticultural Trust, based at Faversham, takes weather readings for the Met Office. She said: “High tides are forecast and if we get high rainfall there’s always the risk.”

The east coast of Britain, including East Anglia, is most in danger, but this stretch of the Kent coast is also in the 'at risk’ area.

The potential surge will be affected by a number of factors including the position of the moon, by Atlantic weather systems with strong west winds pushing water towards Britain, and by lower atmospheric pressure causing sea levels to rise.

The warning comes as scientists have criticised the Government for cutting sea defence spending by £15 million.

They say the country is ignoring the lessons which should have been learnt as a result of flooding in New Orleans, USA, last year.