Oil spill closes 18 beaches across Kent
Quick Look
- Eighteen beaches in Kent, including Margate and Ramsgate, have been closed due to significant oil deposits.
- The Thanet District Council and the Environment Agency are investigating the source of the spill and advising the public to avoid the affected coastline.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Thanet District Council reported the discovery of oil deposits on Wednesday evening.
Eighteen beaches in Kent have been closed after "significant deposits of oil" were found along the coastline.
Popular tourist beaches at Margate and Ramsgate are among the areas affected by the spill.
Thanet District Council (TDC) reported the incident on Wednesday evening and the Environmental Agency (EA) is investigating. The source of the oil has not been identified.
The local authority said the decision to close access to beaches "had not been taken lightly".
A spokesperson for TDC urged people, particularly dog walkers, to avoid the affected areas, and to report any deposits of oil on beaches to them.
Officers are currently inspecting the area, they said.
Open Questions
- What is the source of the oil?
- How long will the beach closures remain in effect?
