5 June 2012 Last updated at 06:41 ET <\/p>\n
More than 20 Kent bathing beaches have been closed after sewage was discharged into the sea. <\/p>\n
The closure of all beaches in Thanet was caused by a failure at the Southern Water Foreness Point Sewage Pumping Station after heavy rain. <\/p>\n
Spokesman John Crooke said the pumping station discharged water which could otherwise have flooded homes. <\/p>\n
Red flags are being flown at the beaches, many of which had recently won Blue Flag awards for cleanliness. <\/p>\n
The beaches have been closed since Monday. Visitors have been told not to cross the high tide line. <\/p>\n
Thanet District Council said they would stay shut for at least two days as a precautionary measure. <\/p>\n
Last month, it was revealed that Thanet had more Blue Flag beaches than any other area in England. <\/p>\n
The awards recognise high water quality and facilities. <\/p>\n
Beach cleaners and litter pickers are on site whilst officers from the council and representatives from the Environment Agency and Southern Water Services fully assess the situation. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
See the article here: <\/p>\n
Sewage closes Blue Flag beaches<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 5 June 2012 Last updated at 06:41 ET More than 20 Kent bathing beaches have been closed after sewage was discharged into the sea. The closure of all beaches in Thanet was caused by a failure at the Southern Water Foreness Point Sewage Pumping Station after heavy rain. Spokesman John Crooke said the pumping station discharged water which could otherwise have flooded homes Continue reading