Kent beaches get seal of approval in new Good Beach Guide

 Almost 20 Kent beaches have been given the seal of approval today in The Good Beach Guide by the Marine Conservation Society (MSC). The MCS has recommended 516 out of 754 (68%) UK bathing beaches as having excellent water quality – that's 8% more than last year. 

This year, 75% of beaches in the South East have obtained the MCS recommended status for excellent water quality in the Good Beach Guide – a slight increase on the previous year. 

In Kent, the following beaches were recommend by the MSC Guide: Dymchurch, Hythe, Sandgate Beach, Dover Harbour, St Margaret`s Bay, Sandwich Bay, Ramsgate Sands, Ramsgate Western Undercliff, Stone Bay, Botany Bay, Margate - Fulsam Rock, Margate - The Bay, Westbrook Bay, St. Mildred's Bay, Westgate Bay, Minnis Bay, Herne Bay, East Tankerton Beach and Whitstable West Beach. 

MCS Coastal Pollution Officer, Rachel Wyatt, says the latest figures will be a boost to UK tourism.

"This is a milestone for coastal resorts to be proud of." 

She underlined however that the results are not a reason for complacency.

"It's really important that local authorities, water companies and environmental regulators don't become complacent and take their collective feet off the pedal of continued environmental improvements. If that happens we could see a drop in the number of beaches recommended by us in the future, which could pose a risk to the great reputation that British beaches have."

thisiskent 3rd May 2012