All eight of Southend beaches have once again met the high standards required for Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, as announced in this year’s prestigious Keep Britain Tidy awards.
Combined Blue Flag and Seaside Awards:
- East Beach Shoeburyness
- Shoebury Common
- Three Shells beach
Seaside Awards:
- Chalkwell Beach
- Jubilee Beach
- Leigh Bell Wharf
- Thorpe Bay
- Westcliff Bay
All of Southend's beaches have been rated either 'Good' or 'Excellent' for water quality by the Environment Agency, with Thorpe Bay once again achieving an 'Excellent' rating this year, giving visitors added confidence in the cleanliness of our coastline.
The council plans to reapply for Blue Flag status for Thorpe Bay as soon as the beach becomes eligible.
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: "I'm so proud that all our beaches have earned this prestigious recognition because we really do have some of the best in the country.
"I'd like to thank our Resorts Team, partners, businesses, volunteers and residents for all their hard work in keeping our beaches clean and enjoyable. These internationally recognised awards wouldn't be possible without their continued dedication."
Keep Britain Tidy's Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said: "In England we are lucky enough to have some of the best beaches in the world. It's wonderful to see the flags flying proudly over eight beaches in Southend, demonstrating their quality to residents and visitors alike.
"Visitors to a beach flying a Blue Flag can be assured the beach will be clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards."
The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are aimed at improving the quality of England's coastline and promoting the country's best beaches.
Blue Flag, the world's most recognised award for beaches and marinas, is an environmental education programme managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education.
It is only presented to beaches with water which has achieved the highest classification as set by the EU Bathing Water Directive and has an environmental education programme, and, to qualify, each applicant must meet and maintain a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria.
Seaside Awards are presented to the best beaches in England and celebrate the quality and diversity of our coastline.
Among the criteria beaches are assessed against are:
- Safety and services, such as first aid provision and clear emergency information
- Environmental information including displaying details about local eco systems
- Environmental management, including litter and waste
- Water quality: Blue Flag beaches must meet the 'Excellent' water quality standard as set out in the EU bathing water directive and Seaside Award winners must meet the 'Sufficient' standard
For more information on Southend's beaches and bays, go to Visit Southend's website.