Brightlingsea has retained its Blue Flag status for 2020 – making its beaches among the safest and cleanest in the country.

The waterfront area has also received a Seaside Award, given to locations where visitors are guaranteed to find a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed stretch of coast. Both awards are issued by the Keep Britain Tidy charity.

Brightlingsea is one of only three towns in the Tendring District to hold a Blue Flag, along with Dovercourt and new winner Walton. Other Seaside Award areas are Dovercourt Bay, Harwich, Frinton, Walton’s Albion beach, and Martello Bay in Clacton.

Keep Britain Tidy’s deputy chief executive, Richard McIlwain said:  “The success of the Tendring coastline in reaching the very high standards demanded by both awards is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches – from beach managers and volunteers to local people and businesses. When you enjoy a trip to a beach flying an international Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.”

He continued: “This year, with the pressure on local services created by COVID-19, we would urge anyone visiting these fantastic beaches to help out by taking their rubbish home with them and leaving the beach as they found it.”

Cllr Alex Porter, portfolio holder for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council, added: “This recognition is a great advert for the Essex Sunshine Coast, and it should be remembered it is not easy to keep, let alone gain, Blue Flag and Seaside Award status. Our beaches right around the district are a brilliant asset, not just for residents but also for tourists and the whole tourism industry.”