Two of Sheppey’s beaches are once again bathing in success after being judged “excellent” in the latest water quality results.
Minster Leas and Sheerness received the top honour. Leysdown was rated as “good.” Leysdown just missed out in making it a hat-trick for the Island again by failing one of the 20 tests for pollution in early June.
The DEFRA scores mean Minster Leas and Sheerness could retain their Blue Flag Award.

Cllr David Simmons, Swale council’s cabinet member for the environment and rural affairs, said: “I’m extremely pleased that Minster Leas and Sheerness continue to meet the highest levels for bathing quality.
“There has been a lot of hard work to keep the beaches clean and safe, not only by the council but by partner agencies and the public making sure they clean up after themselves and their dogs.”

He added: “It is disappointing that Leysdown narrowly missed out on the excellent rating again. This was most likely due to the heavy rain showers which may have washed material into the sea shortly before the sample was taken. A repeat sample taken a few days later returned the usual low results.

“Nevertheless, we will continue to work with partners such as Southern Water, as part of their Bathing Water Enhancement Programme, to ensure the long-term sustainability of our three bathing beaches at an ‘excellent’ standard.”

This is the second year new stricter assessments have been used. Gradings are based on 80 samples going back over three years. The four categories are poor (failure to meet minimum requirement), sufficient, good and excellent.
For more details about Sheppey’s beaches visit www.swale.gov.uk/seafront. The ratings are available at www.environment.data.gov.uk/bwq/profiles

How clean are Kent's other beaches.