Sewage being spilled into the sea by Southern Water is making residents in Whitstable question their retirement plans, as they believe it has damaged the town and their love of sea swimming.

Sea swimmmers Roddy and Cathy tell the i's Robbie Hawken that 'there's a lot of talk about illness in Whistable' due to sewage in the water.

Cathy says that she believed Whistable would be a good place to retire to improve her physical health, but an illness she believes came from swimming in the sea, has left her in two minds.

Southern Water said in a statement: We would encourage all swimmers to use our Beachbuoy service before entering the water to help them make informed choices.

However it’s important to note that there are many factors impacting water quality including agriculture, surface water run-off, shipping, animals, etc.

In regards to swimmers and health ailments, to date we have had no legal claims against us that have been successful about this.

Bathing water classifications help inform customers about their local bathing water quality and in Whitstable it’s important to note that Tankerton is Excellent, West Beach is Good