MARGATE Bay has the worst water quality in the South East and is under investigation by the Environment Agency. It is the only one out of 79 tested which failed to meet stringent standards. A dozen other beaches in Thanet, including Fulsam Rock and Westbrook Bay passed the agency’s strict tests.

Thanet council’s own environmental services department is also investigating why the popular holiday bay has failed. Council leader Cllr Richard Nicholson said: “Any failure is of great concern to us for we pride ourselves on our clean and safe beaches and bays. Once our environmental report is completed we will make the reults public.”

A spokesman for Southern Water said:” The cause of the failure is not known and the agency’s investigations are continuing. Although we spend several million pounds each week improving our coastline, there are factors beyond our control that can affect bathing water quality. This could include boat discharge or animals on beaches.”

Just two months ago, another organisation, The Marine Conservation Society found that Margate had one of the cleanest beaches in Kent.