Botany Bay was one of those to be shut because of a sewage spill

An inquest into how a sewage spill forced several Kent beaches to close for more than a week begins today.

Thanet District Council shut all the district's beaches for swimming as raw sewage began entering the sea in June.

Red flags were placed on more than 20 beaches urging people not to enter the water after a failure at the Southern Water sewage pumping station at Foreness Point.

Now a council inquiry is beginning into how the situation - which happened over the jubilee Bank Holiday weekend - was managed.

A meeting tonight is to hear the first evidence - and members of the public will be able to have their say next month.

Business owners or and anyone using Thanet's beaches who were affected by the spillage are urged to come forward if they wish to give evidence in the Thanet council chamber on Thursday, October 11.

After hearing evidence, councillors will make recommendations about any improvements that can be made to better manage any future sewage pollution.

Ian Driver, chairman of Thanet council's overview and scrutiny panel, said: "The purpose of the investigation is to find out how effectively Thanet council, the Environment Agency and Southern Water managed this serious environmental pollution incident, and whether any lessons can be learned which might improve the way we respond to any future incidents.

"The meetings are open to the public and I would encourage anyone who is concerned about how we manage our beaches and deal with pollution to come along."

Members of the public wishing to have their say must register by phoning Charles Hungwe on 01843 577 186.