18 beaches shut along Thanet coastline due to oil spill
The public are being asked to stay away
Last updated 10 hours ago
18 beaches have been closed along a stretch of the Kent coastline, after oil has been found washed up on the shore.
All beaches between Minnis Bay in Birchington to Ramsgate Main Sands have now been shut.
The council’s Coastal Engineering team is working with the Marine & Coastguard Agency and contractors to remove the oily deposits from all affected beaches.
Here is the latest list:
Minnis Bay
Grenham Bay
Epple Bay
West Bay
St Mildred’s Bay
Westbrook Bay
Margate Main Sands
Walpole Bay
Palm Bay
Botany Bay
Kingsgate Bay
Joss Bay
Stone Bay
Viking Bay
Louisa Bay
Dumpton Gap
Ramsgate East Cliff
Ramsgate Main Sands
The incident was first reported in Wednesday night to the Environment Agency.
A spokesperson for Thanet District Council said:
"Signs are in place at relevant locations to warn the public of the incident and notify them that access to the beach is not permitted. Dog owners are reminded that they must not take their dogs onto the affected beaches.
"Members of the public are strongly advised to stay off Thanet beaches until further notice and to stay away from any deposits of oil. Any sightings of oil deposits should be reported to the council on 01843 577000."
The source of the oil is unknown. Samples are being collected to be analysed.