Large Crowd in Folkestone Brave Weather To Join UK-Wide Protest Against Sewage Dumping

Photo: Ray Duff

FOLKESTONE – Words and Photos: Ray Duff – A large crowd in Folkestone braved cold weather and rain on Saturday afternoon to join a nationwide “Paddle Out” protest against ongoing sewage dumping in the UK’s seas and rivers, organised by the charity Surfers Against Sewage.

Campaigners initially assembled at the far end of The Stade to hear from a series of speakers, including representatives from local groups such as the Sandgate and Littlestone Dippers.

Speakers highlighted the significant economic and social damage caused to local businesses and coastal communities across the district by frequent beach closures and non-swimming warnings. They noted that while temporary improvements occasionally allowed beaches to be declared safe for bathing, subsequent discharges routinely triggered further restrictions – a frustrating cycle mirrored across Britain’s coastline.

Photo: Ray Duff

The demonstration also received strong political backing, including a supportive message from local MP Tony Vaughan. He called for substantially higher investment in treatment plants, arguing that the recent £42 million nationwide funding package remains insufficient. Vaughan highlighted his regular meetings with Southern Water to demand more urgent action, while also advocating for the eventual re-nationalisation of the water industry.

Following the speeches, local band Pretty Crap performed a set that opened with a new song criticizing the unique position of England and Wales as the only nations globally to have entirely privatised their water networks.

Photo: Ray Duff

The event concluded with a mass photo call as demonstrators moved to the small sandy beach in the inner harbour, while others gathered at Sunny Sands Beach to watch local surfers and swimmers launch into the water for the ceremonial “Paddle Out” protest.