Blackpool beach only one to get Blue Flag in North West

Blackpool has retained its prestigious Blue Flag award for the third year running meaning the resort has the only beach in the North West to boast the status.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2018, 10:03 GMT
Updated 17th May 2018, 10:06 GMT
South Beach has retained its Blue FlagSouth Beach has retained its Blue Flag
South Beach has retained its Blue Flag

The accolade, handed out by Keep Britain Tidy, recognises the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

It has been awarded to Blackpool South beach, which is among 65 Blue Flag beaches recognised in England this year.

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Blackpool North beach opposite the Tower, Blackpool Central beach and Bispham beach have also been given Seaside Award status by Keep Britain Tidy.

Coun Gillian Campbell, deputy leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Our entire coastline is award-winning which is great news for the millions of people that enjoy it every year.

“We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the support of residents and businesses who have donated their time and energy to the LOVEmyBEACH campaign.

“We want to keep this Blue Flag next year and we can only do that with everyone helping us.”

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Claire Smith, president of hoteliers group StayBlackpool, said: “This is absolutely vital because the beach is one of the main reasons people visit Blackpool.

“Even if they don’t swim in the sea, it’s important the beach is clean, safe and accessible. It’s also helping to improve perceptions about Blackpool.”

The LOVEmyBEACH campaign has helped to improve sea water quality, with volunteers doing beach cleans and many businesses signing up to be responsible companies.

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “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.”

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Beach Patrol manager Rick Williams, Emma Whitlock from Fylde LoveMyBeach, Beach Patrol officer Sam Taylor and street cleanising operations manager Gavin Macpherson

This year environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy is presenting 190 awards, including 65 international Blue Flags and 125 Seaside Awards (eight more than last year), with 42 beaches achieving both awards.

Water company United Utilities is currently investing millions of pounds improving sewer systems in Blackpool to help keep the bathing water clean.

Related topics:BlackpoolKeep Britain TidyNorth West