Council to open watersports centre on Kent beach – despite ‘do not swim’ warning
Folkestone and Hythe District Council is moving forward with plans to open a £1.5 million watersports centre at Greatstone beach, despite warnings against swimming due to poor water quality. Local boat club members express concerns about the feasibility of operating the centre under these conditions. The council hopes that water quality will improve in the coming months, but the situation remains contentious.
- ▪The Changing Tides Coastal Centre is set to open later this year in Greatstone on Romney Marsh.
- ▪The Environment Agency has advised against swimming at nearby Littlestone beach since 2023 due to poor water quality.
- ▪Local boat club members are questioning how the new centre can operate while swimming is discouraged.
- ▪The council is finalizing a contract with a watersports operator to manage the facility and provide training.
- ▪The development will also feature 93 beach huts and a cafe.
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NewsUKHome NewsCouncil to open watersports centre on Kent beach – despite ‘do not swim’ warningThe decision ‘beggars belief’, says local boat club commodoreAlex Keir Wednesday 20 May 2026 10:03 BSTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":true,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"CF1:2980172To1","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/greatstone-beach-centre-folkestone-hythe-b2980173.html","title":"Council to open watersports centre on Kent beach – despite ‘do not swim’ warning"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-17725","index":0}Colourful new beach huts…
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