Hopes are rising that a popular beach could receive a higher rating when new water quality results are published, following a drop in bacteria levels.

Deal Castle Beach was rated “poor” by the Environment Agency (EA) in November 2024, prompting advice to stay out of the water - with some swimmers also reporting feeling unwell after taking a dip.

It marked a continued decline for the beach, which was rated “sufficient” in 2023 and “good” in the two years before that.

But recent test results have given cause for optimism in the town, showing a decrease in the amount of intestinal enterococci (IE) - a bacterium that indicates the presence of human waste.

A single spike in July, which recorded 540 colonies per 100ml of water, has since been discounted after the EA successfully appealed to the Bathing Water Compliance Panel. The rest of the test results from May to October this year have been recorded as “excellent”.

Walmer Town Council has also been carrying out its own seawater sampling, taking tests in April, July, August and October. Results from near Walmer Castle all showed the highest classification.

It comes as Deal Town Council adopts an ocean and coastal recovery strategy aimed at improving and protecting its coastline.

Mayor of Deal Cllr Mike Eddy said there was an urgent need for action and greater awareness.

“This document will help guide our policy and decision-making, building on our environmental actions and ambitions,” he said.

“Our coastline supports so much of what we hold dear - our businesses, tourism, swimming and fishing. It’s our way of life, it’s part of the fabric of who we are.

“Let us not forget all the creatures that inhabit the seas, dependent on that delicate ecosystem for their continued survival.

“The decline in sea health has brought the town together to ask questions of those responsible, and this strategy equips the town council to amplify those concerns and push even further for positive change.”

Nearby, St Margaret`s Bay has maintained the highest classification for the past four years, while a minor dip in 2023 means Sandwich is now rated “good”.

Despite this year’s positive data, it remains uncertain whether Deal will move up a category, as the final classification is based on a rolling four-year dataset.

A spokesperson for the EA said work to improve water quality is ongoing.

They added: “Bathing waters are hugely important for communities and for the environment – and we know there is growing public demand for bathing sites across the country.

“Pollution comes from a variety of sources, from discharges by water companies, littering, heavy rain and tidal conditions to bird faeces and road run-off.

“Higher levels of bacteria in the water caused by heavy rain in September will count towards the overall classification for this season.

“Our specialist officers are working with Southern Water, local councils across Kent and others to find ways to improve bathing water quality along the county’s coastline.”

The latest classifications are expected to be released on November 25.