Sea water
The poor quality of bathing water at Dymchurch, Littlestone and St Mary’s Bay is causing considerable concern but it has not yet been established where the pollution originates.
The Environment Agency has stepped up its sampling programme and Southern Water is investigating pipes and connections.
Regular meetings at both officer and councillor level are proving effective in sharing information and co-ordinating action. Regular updates and public warnings are issued, and the council is pressing for more effective action to improve water quality and safeguard recreational use.
Coastal flooding
The low-lying area between Folkestone and Hythe needs to be protected from flooding.
Shingle is moved from east to west along the coast each spring and autumn to build up a bank to prevent overtopping in storm events. This shield offers much better protection than the old timber groynes which it replaces. The council continues to invest in and refine these measures, with minimal disruption to residents, as part of its long-term climate adaptation strategy. The council has recently heard that it has been successful in a £2.23 million bid to the Environment Agency for coastal protection measures. This will cover the costs of moving and regrading the shingle along 7km of coastline from Folkestone to Hythe for the next five years. The work is undertaken twice a year and is the most effective way of helping to protect around 3000 coastal homes from flooding.
Rivers and fresh water
Healthy rivers are vital for wildlife, recreation, and community well-being. The council works with partners to monitor and improve river quality and habitats. The opportunity to focus on the headwaters of the Nailbourne – one of only 200 chalk streams in the world – is currently being pursued. Healthy streams and rivers are vital for wildlife, flood management, and recreation. The council supports river restoration projects, pollution monitoring, and community clean-up events.