Regular swimmers at Walpole Bay are calling on Thanet District Council to rethink its ban on parking beside the tidal pool, warning that the loss of nearby vehicle access is making one of Thanet’s community leisure assets harder -and for some people ‘potentially impossible’ -to use.
Members of the Walpole Bay Dippers say the pool is used throughout the year by swimmers of different ages and abilities, as well as people who value the bay as a place for exercise, social contact and wellbeing.
But the group says the steep approaches from the clifftop and lack of shelter at pool level mean nearby vehicles have traditionally provided somewhere to change, warm up, store clothes and belongings and keep a phone readily available in an emergency.
Barbara Palmer, speaking on behalf of the Walpole Bay Dippers, said: “The Walpole Bay Dippers are one group amongst a large number of people for whom Walpole tidal pool is a vitally important resource.
“People don’t just swim. Less able individuals use the pool to alleviate physical and mental conditions, and it represents an invaluable place of calm and sanctuary. Easy access for them is vital.”
The group says this becomes particularly important during the winter months.
Barbara added: “A car can be an important and immediate source of shelter to prevent issues such as hypothermia escalating into something more serious.
“It also provides somewhere close to safely store belongings and a warming drink, including having a phone to hand for possible emergency use, as well as providing the opportunity for social interaction and monitoring the wellbeing of other swimmers.”
A number of residents are due to raise the issue directly at Thanet District Council’s Full Council meeting tonight, with questions raising concerns about winter swimming, disability and mobility, safety and whether less restrictive alternatives to the present enforcement approach were properly considered.
It’s understood councillors, including Cliftonville West ward councillor Alan Currie, will also raise the issue.
Tougher enforcement
The council says it introduced tougher enforcement following problems with unauthorised parking, overnight camping, littering and obstruction of emergency access.
In August the council said the promenade is covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order prohibiting unauthorised vehicles.
TDC added that ‘potential environmental hazards’ from prohibited parking put Walpole Bay’s Seaside Award flag at risk.
Vehicle owners parked at the site could receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN). They could also face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.
An initial warning will be given. Vehicle owners will then have the opportunity to move their vehicle prior to an FPN being issued.
The PSPO makes provision for exceptions for any person who is registered blind or has a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010.
When the announcement was made, Thanet council said: “The council recognises the frustration of local residents regarding persistent issues with unauthorised parking, litter, and campervan encampments, particularly where vehicles obstruct vital emergency access at Hodges Gap.
“These encampments not only impact the beauty of the promenade, but they also pose a threat to bathing water quality and put the area’s prestigious Seaside Award at risk.
“As well as the immediate actions, in the future there will be physical restrictions in place to allow continued access for authorised users while preventing unauthorised parking.”
Cliftonville East councillor Barry Manners said he supports action to deal with those problems, but believes a pragmatic middle ground now needs to be found.
He said: “Nobody is arguing for a return to the free-for-all we saw during the summer. The antisocial behaviour, overnight camping and obstruction of emergency access needed dealing with.
“But stopping those problems doesn’t necessarily mean that every form of responsible daytime parking has to disappear with them.
“Walpole Bay is a major community leisure asset. We should be looking seriously at whether controlled daytime parking, restricted hours, permits, height barriers or some combination of those measures could preserve access while preventing the abuses everyone agrees were unacceptable.”
The Grade II-listed pool opened in 1937 and covers around four acres. Historic England says it was specifically built to enable large numbers of people to bathe at all states of the tide and recognises its significant social history as well as its engineering interest.
Regeneration scheme
TDC says its Access Walpole regeneration programme will improve access to the coast and promote health and wellbeing. Plans include reinstating the cliff lift and creating new beach facilities. The council says traffic-management measures will create a “pedestrian dominant” promenade.
Cllr Manners added: “There is an obvious contradiction if we’re investing public money in Walpole Bay as a centre for coastal wellbeing while simultaneously making it harder for some of the people who already use it throughout the year to get there.
“I have asked TDC to establish precisely what would be required legally and physically to provide some properly controlled parking and what that would cost. If there are statutory hoops to go through, let’s understand them rather than simply saying it’s too difficult.
“There may even be an opportunity to turn this into part of the long-term solution. If controlled paid parking can legally be provided, I would like us to explore whether the income could contribute towards a dedicated reserve for the future maintenance of the tidal pool.”
The pool will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2027. It has required repairs in both 2025 and 2026, including work to address water loss, while surveys have also been undertaken to inform future maintenance.
Cllr Manners said: “This extraordinary structure has stood against the sea for almost 90 years. We need to be thinking about the next 90.
“My concern is that an asset of this age and importance needs proper provision for preventative maintenance and for the unexpected — whether that’s structural deterioration or damage following a major storm.
“The immediate priority is finding a sensible solution for the people who use Walpole Bay today. But we should also use this debate to think much more seriously about how we protect and fund this remarkable community asset for the future.”
The Walpole Bay Dippers say the proposed new facilities are intended to make the area a centre for wellbeing, but say that continuing the parking ban risks undermining that.
Plans for regeneration at Walpole Bay include a new café, a restored lift, showers and toilets.
The cafe build was originally planned to be sited on the promenade immediately facing the Walpole tidal pool.
The proposal now consists of a scaled down scheme relocated to the east of Hodge’s Gap.
The proposal removes parking from the promenade and consists of a two storey café, with a large glazed front opening up views towards the tidal pool. At the rear of the building, there will be a compact kitchen and storeroom site below a mezzanine seating area. During fair weather, café seating could be extended onto the deck to the north of the building. The café will have 30 seats, 20 inside and 10 outside.
