Swimming ban lifted at Kent beach after pollution all clear

Ragworms, lugworms and shellfish were reported dead

Author: Grace O'HarePublished 30th May 2024

Thanet District Council have lifted a warning for the public to stay out of the waters at a popular beach in Kent, after a potential pollution incident was given the all-clear.

The advice for people not to swim or bathe at Minnis Bay has now been removed.

It was put in place after the discovery of dead ragworms, lugworms and shellfish on 20 May.

The Environment Agency said last Friday (24 May) the affected area was "not toxic" and that it was removing its advice own against bathing.

But the local authority continued to advise against entering the water over the bank holiday weekend "due to the ongoing presence of residue from algae which has an unpleasant odour and can cause skin irritation".

A business from Thanet says they profits are down by 70% since the weekend's swimming ban.

Tony Hobbs works at West Bay Kiosk and told us people are still staying away.

Throughout the incident the beach itself remained open to the public.

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