Two Brighton and Hove beaches have been awarded blue flags, according to Keep Britain Tidy, which announced its list of Britain’s best beaches today (Tuesday 23 May).
The blue flag awards went to Brighton Central and Hove Lawns – but Brighton Kemp Town missed out again.
Keep Britain Tidy said: “They are only awarded to coastal destinations that boast the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.”
Saltdean beach earned a seaside award. Keep Britain Tidy said: “Formerly called the Quality Coast Award, the scheme is the nationwide standard for the best beaches across the UK.
“While Seaside Award beaches can be vastly different, the flag is a symbol of quality which ensures visitors are guaranteed to find a clean, safe, attractive and well-managed coastal stretch.”
On its website, Southern Water said: “Our region includes 700 miles of coastline which plays an important part in the local economy.
“We are committed to protecting these coastal waters to ensure they are of the highest quality and have invested millions of pounds in doing so.
“As a result, bathing waters in our region have never been cleaner and for many years have all met strict European quality standards.
“Before privatisation of water companies in 1989, only 41 per cent reached the required standards.
“While water companies alone are not responsible for the quality of bathing water, they play a key role in protecting it.”
