BEACHES in Suffolk and Essex are basking in glory today after scooping a host of seaside awards.Ten beaches in Suffolk and seven in Essex made the grade this year, and will be flying the coveted blue and yellow Seaside Award flag, which is given by ENCAMS, organisers of the Tidy Britain Campaign.
BEACHES in Suffolk and Essex are basking in glory today after scooping a host of seaside awards.
Ten beaches in Suffolk and seven in Essex made the grade this year, and will be flying the coveted blue and yellow Seaside Award flag, which is given by ENCAMS, organisers of the Tidy Britain Campaign.
Some of the winners – Kessingland, Lowestoft South of Pier, Southwold Pier and Southend Three Shells – have kept the flag flying since the awards started 12 years ago.
The awards are given to resorts and rural beaches deemed to be well managed. Judges look at a range of issues including first aid provision, toilets, access and facilities for the disabled at each resort.
Flag winners must have achieved EU standards for bathing water quality.
Other award-winners are Aldeburgh, Felixstowe South, Felixstowe The Dip, Lowestoft North of Pier, Sizewell, Southwold Denes, Thorpeness, Brightlingsea, Clacton West, Dovercourt Bay, Leigh on Sea Bell Wharf, Southend Shoebury Common and Southend Shoeburyness East.
Nigel Tansley-Thomas, Regional Director of ENCAMS, said: "I am absolutely delighted that all the winning beaches have maintained such high standards over the recent years.
"The Seaside Awards are a great boost to our tourism industry at such a crucial time as this.
"And being Easter weekend, what a great excuse to get together with friends and family to visit and enjoy the achievements of some of the longest established holiday resorts in the country and the quiet, secluded beaches where it's peaceful and tranquil."
Across the UK, 332 beaches received the award this year compared to 317 last year.
A spokesperson for Suffolk Coastal District Council said: "It is excellent news that once again we have earned the right to fly over five of our district's beaches the prestigious blue and yellow Seaside Award flags that guarantee residents and visitors high standards of cleanliness and water quality."
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