Home / Environment / New Watersports Centre Opens Amidst Poor Water Quality Warnings
New Watersports Centre Opens Amidst Poor Water Quality Warnings
21 May
Summary
- A new watersports facility is opening in Greatstone, Kent.
- Nearby bathing water quality has been rated 'poor' for three consecutive years.
- Local groups report declining membership due to safety concerns.
A new watersports centre is scheduled to open in the coastal village of Greatstone, Kent, with Folkestone & Hythe District Council finalising a contract for the facility. This development proceeds despite the Environment Agency's advice against bathing in adjacent Littlestone, which has been rated as having "poor" water quality in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The council acknowledged the challenging rating but expressed optimism about attracting businesses.
Further water quality testing is planned for this summer, with hopes for improved results by November. Local residents met with Southern Water and councillors to discuss the water quality issues. Watersports clubs have been significantly impacted, with one stating they cannot guarantee safety for families and have experienced a decline in membership over the last three years. Southern Water is undertaking a £42 million programme of works to address pollution incidents in the Folkestone & Hythe area.
