Walpole Bay, in Margate, failed to meet EU targets

by Martin Jefferies and Jess Banham

A beach in Thanet is one of the most polluted in England and Wales, checks on bathing water quality have revealed.

Walpole Bay, in Margate, failed to meet targets set by the European Union – one of only nine that are below standard.

It is thought dog fouling and freak weather conditions could be to blame.
However, other beaches in Kent are squeaky clean, either meeting the minimum requirements or exceeding them.

Colin Bowley from the Environment Agency, which carried out the tests, insisted the sea at Walpole Bay is still safe to swim in.

He said: "Bathing water quality is improving year-on-year, thanks to investment by the water companies and ourselves. It's safer now than it has been at any point in the last two decades.

"I'm a keen beach user; I do a lot of kayaking and I always pay close attention to the sample results we collect. Generally, water quality is excellent in Kent, and I'd certainly use the beach myself."

The results come a day after nine beaches in Thanet won Blue Flags for water quality and cleanliness. They include Margate Main Sands, less than a mile away.

Walpole Bay failed two inspections in just three days last summer, although the beach met EU targets on 18 other occasions.

Officials count the number of bacteria in the water, which can indicate pollution mainly from sewage or livestock waste.

Treated sewage is pumped out 3km from the coastline, although since 2007, waste has undergone further treatment and disinfection at Weatherlees being released into the sea.

The Environment Agency has pledged to continue tackling sources of pollution between now and 2015, when more stringent water quality targets come into effect.

Mr Bowley said: "Walpole Bay is one of our priority beaches and we're committed to reducing the number of failed checks.

"Our officers are now doing more intrusive, more intensive investigations in places like Walpole Bay, and we're working very closely with Thanet council to look at different ways of managing the beach."