Bathing ban as oil is found on Thanet coastline

People have been urged not to enter the sea in parts of Kent after "small oil deposits" were found.

Thanet District Council (TDC) has confirmed that the deposits are currently being cleared between Newgate Gap and Foreness Point in Cliftonville, Margate.

The council found the black deposits, which it says are likely to be tar oil, in an inspection after it was alerted to their presence by beach users.

A TDC spokesperson said: "Although the deposits found are few and very small, members of the public are advised to be cautious."

Advice against bathing will be lifted on Tuesday with replacement signs installed at the affected bays, they added.

This is not the first time beaches in this area have been affected by oil deposits.

Around last Christmas time, suspected palm oil was found at Margate Main Sands, Ramsgate Main Sands and Botany Bay.

This substance, which conversely is white and waxy, is a vegetable product that comes from the fruit of oil palm trees.

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