Bournemouth and Poole score four Blue Flag awards

Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and Swanage are celebrating after their beaches were awarded the coveted Blue Flag status. 

Bournemouth scored four Blue Flags and two Quality Coast Awards, according to the Bournemouth Echo. Poole also achieved four Blue Flag awards.

The Blue Flag awards are an international recognition of excellence that globally indicate that a beach is among the best in the world. Flags are awarded to coastal destinations which have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.

For beach lovers, the awards represent coastal destinations that consistently deliver year-on-year as the best and are among the most popular housing areas for local lettings agents. Poole Borough Council's strategic director, Andrew Flockhart, remarked: "This is fantastic news and confirms the high quality of our beaches which are so valued by local residents and visitors to Poole."

Sandbanks, Shore Road, Canford Cliffs Chine and Branksome Chine were all recognised as Poole's most outstanding beaches. In Bournemouth; Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk and the Southbourne and Boscombe Pier scooped the awards.

"Traditional beach holidays in this country were always centered on our seaside resorts and we urge holidaymakers to rekindle their passion for the wonderful coastline and resorts throughout the South West of England", said Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, who run the Blue Flag awards.

"Our beaches are wonderful places to visit and that’s official," he added.

According to Keepbritaintidy.org, the number of international beaches and marinas gaining Blue Flag status increases year-on-year - with 3,450 now displaying the quality indicator in 41 countries.

Posted 10-05-2011
Author: Chris Taylor