Watersports hub to open despite no-swim advice
BBCA new watersports centre is due to open in a coastal village, despite advice not to swim in the water nearby.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council said it was finalising a contract for the newly built facility at Changing Tides Coastal Centre in Greatstone, Kent.
The Environment Agency advises against bathing at neighbouring Littlestone after testing in 2023, 2024 and 2025 rated the water quality as "poor".
The council said the rating had been "challenging" but it had "worked to secure businesses wanting to take up the opportunities offered".
"Further water testing will take place this summer and together with visitors and residents we are hoping for better results when they are published in November," a spokesperson said.
The council's development includes a cafe and dozens of new beach huts.
Local residents met with water company Southern Water and councillors in Littlestone on Wednesday to discuss water quality in the area.
Nigel Sutton of The Varne Watersports Club said the water quality had a "decimating effect" on the group, which had been unable to run taster sessions for the last three years.
"We just can't guarantee the safety of families coming down with young children," he said.
"It's seen a decline in our membership and quite frankly I'm quite nervous myself about getting out on the water now."
Mark Rose from the boat club said Southern Water were "trying their very very best" to sort the problem but it was "taking a long time".
Water company Southern Water said "teamwork is the key to improving the quality of bathing water" at the site and there were "many potential sources of contamination".
"We are delighted by the way so many different groups, agencies and councils are coming together in Kent to track down sources that could be affecting water quality," the firm said.
Southern Water announced a £42m programme of works to tackle sewage spills, storm overflows and pollution incidents in Folkestone & Hythe earlier in May.
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