The preferred option in the draft strategy was to stop maintaining existing defences, allowing the area to go back to being a tidal estuary.

During the consultation, more than 80 responses were received.

The Environment Agency is now reviewing the draft strategy, together with the responses received, and will then publicise its decision, together with the responses, in spring 2008.

Harvey Bradshaw, Environment Agency Area Manager for Kent and East Sussex, said: 'We had a great number of people attending our static display at the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitors Centre and welcomed nearly 300 people along to our five drop-in sessions. This allowed those who have an interest in the area to find out more from us and ask us questions about our proposals.

Until a strategy is finalised, the Environment Agency will continue to maintain the flood defences at the estuary.

If the recommendation to stop maintaining the existing defences is approved, the Environment Agency would continue to remove shingle from the mouth of the river until the estuary was working as it should naturally.