A hotel owner in a seaside market town in Kent says they have had to "adapt or close" after sewage discharges hit tourism in the region.

Dino Johnson said business at the Captain Howey hotel in New Romney had been forced to pivot to long-term lets after losing 20% of his hotel guests since issues with the water quality.

Mr Johnson and his wife, Celine Goddeeris, said the change was the "only way to survive", as other residents in the area said they would not let their children swim in the sea over fears about sewage.

A spokesperson for Southern Water said it was "working hard to find out what is affecting water quality".

Mr Johnson added: "We have a lot of customers visiting families and local care providers, for example, but not tourists.

"Tourists have a knock-on effect on all the surrounding restaurants and pubs but we need to adapt or close."

Ms Goddeeris added: "It's affecting our children's health and even animals. We need to find a long-term solution."

In 2025, Littlestone beach was once again given a "brown flag" for being among the dirtiest in the UK, and was joined by nearby Dymchurch beach on the list.

Water quality at both sites was rated poor by the Environment Agency, with bathing and swimming not advised at either site.

Resident Dawn Stanley added: "I wouldn't go in the sea. I have a daughter with special needs and I can't explain to her to not swallow the water and don't get it in her mouth."

Rob Butson, bathing water manager at Southern Water, said: "Working with councils, NGOs and the Environment Agency to protect and improve bathing waters is a priority for us.

"Many sources can affect bathing water – road and agricultural runoff, private sewerage and wild life for example."

Southern Water is also looking for illegal sewer connections and investigating treatment work performance, Mr Butson added.