Eighteen beaches along the Kent coast have been closed after significant deposits of oil washed ashore, with the clean-up expected to take many days.

The closures cover the whole Thanet coastline, from Minnis Bay in Birchington to Ramsgate Main Sands, taking in the popular tourist beaches of Margate and Broadstairs. Thanet District Council said the decision to shut access to the beaches had not been taken lightly.

The oil deposits were found along the shoreline on Wednesday 11 November. The council reported the incident to the Environment Agency that evening, and the agency is now investigating the source of the pollution, which has not yet been identified.

Clean-up could take many days

The council's Coastal Engineering team is working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and contractors to remove the oily deposits from all of the affected beaches. The council's director of environment said the clean-up would take many days, although it was difficult to be sure of the exact timescale.

Signs have been put in place at the affected locations to warn the public, and access to the beaches is not permitted. Members of the public are strongly advised to stay off Thanet beaches until further notice and to stay away from any deposits of oil. Anyone who spots oil deposits is asked to report them to the council.

Samples of the oil are being collected and analysed as part of efforts to trace where it came from.

Environment Agency investigating source

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said it was working with the council and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to investigate the source of the pollution, assess any environmental impacts and take any action required to reduce its impact.

As a precaution, the agency has advised against swimming at the affected locations while investigations continue.

The 18 beaches affected are Minnis Bay, Grenham Bay, Epple Bay, West Bay, St Mildred's Bay, Westbrook Bay, Margate Main Sands, Walpole Bay, Palm Bay, Botany Bay, Kingsgate Bay, Joss Bay, Stone Bay, Viking Bay, Louisa Bay, Dumpton Gap, Ramsgate East Cliff and Ramsgate Main Sands.

The closures come as the Thanet coast, one of the most visited stretches of seafront in south-east England, was preparing for the quieter winter season. The council said officers were continuing to inspect the area and would update the public as the clean-up progresses, with further updates published on the council's website.

Sources: Thanet District Council, Hello Rayo Kent