Along with Dovercourt Bay and Walton’s Albion Beach, the town’s seaside is one of just three in the Tendring District to gain the Blue Flag, given in recognition of good water quality, safety, environmental management, availability of toilets and public information.
Similar criteria are used to judge the Seaside Awards, which were also given to Dovercourt Bay, Harwich, Frinton, Walton-on-the-Naze and the town’s Albion beach, and Martello Bay in Clacton. Both awards are given by Keep Britain Tidy. All Tendring seafronts retained their accreditation from 2020.
Alex Porter, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council, said: “The Essex Sunshine Coast is stunning, a brilliant asset for residents, visitors and the whole tourism industry. The awards are a great advert for the Essex Sunshine Coast, and it must be recognised that it is not easy to keep Blue Flag and Seaside Award status.”
He added: “Due to the Covid-19 restrictions we are anticipating a busy summer season – possibly the busiest ever – and these awards will boost that. We have been preparing for some time for this possible influx, and hope it will help our district get back to business.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, we are going to be relying on our country’s beautiful beaches to escape for a much-needed break after all the stresses and strains of the past year. From environmental education for the local community and ensuring responsible beach use, to cleaning regimes and an increasing number of recycling facilities, it is a full-time commitment to create beaches worthy of these awards.”
She added: “As we all plan our 2021 holidays much closer to home, thanks to the Blue Flag and Seaside Award those choosing to holiday at a destination with an award-winning beach can be assured it will be clean and safe and meet the highest standards for water quality and management.”
