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Sandown Beach Awarded Blue Flag Status

Sandown Beach has been awarded Blue Flag status, while several other Island beaches have been specially recognised.

The Blue Flag is the first to be won by an Isle of Wight beach in several years and is one of 76 awarded by environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy.

Sandown Mayor, Gary Young, said:

"Receiving Blue Flag status for Sandown is a tremendous achievement, and we think we are the only beach on the Island to get the Blue Flag this year, and possibly the first Town or Parish Council on the Island ever to be recognised this way.

"All involved deserve a big thank you, and this status contributes to a safe summer for residents and visitors to Sandown."

In addition, 132 beaches have received a Seaside Award nationally - with Shanklin, Springvale and Seagrove on the Island.

St Helens Parish Chairman, John Coleman, said:

"As a small Parish Council on the Island, we are really delighted to receive this national accreditation which reflects the investment made by the Parish Council, whilst not increasing the precept for the last three years."

Shanklin Mayor, Steve Knight, said:

"We are delighted to secure this national award for a further year, as it's been a very challenging year for everyone, and we hope it helps attract locals and holidaymakers to Shanklin and the Bay, for a safe and sunny summer break."

The international Blue Flag and the UK Seaside Awards are the quality marks for our beaches and mean those visiting them can be sure that they are clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as the tough international bathing water quality standards.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive, Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, said:

“This year, more than ever, we are going to be relying on our country’s beautiful beaches to escape for a much-needed break after all the stresses and strains of the past year.

“Whether it’s camping in Cornwall, renting a cottage in North Yorkshire or simply having a day out at the seaside in Sussex, a fantastic beach is an essential part of a holiday for so many of us.

“Last year, due to the pandemic, we did not have the opportunity to celebrate all the great award-winning beaches around the coast so this year we are delighted to have even more winners than we did in 2019, thanks to the incredible work of the teams around the country that make our beaches clean and safe for us all to enjoy.

“From environmental education for the local community and ensuring responsible beach use, to cleaning regimes and an increasing number of recycling facilities, it is a full-time commitment to create beaches worthy of these awards.

“As we all plan our 2021 holidays much closer to home, thanks to the Blue Flag and Seaside Award those choosing to holiday at a destination with an award-winning beach can be assured it will be clean and safe and meet the highest standards for water quality and management.”

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