A South Tyneside beach is flying the flag again this year after securing two coveted national awards for the tenth year running.
Sandhaven beach in South Shields has yet again been awarded Blue Flag status and the Seaside Award which are marks of quality given only to the best beaches in the world. The highly desired awards are only given to beaches that meet the highest standards of cleanliness and safety and provide visitors with high quality facilities. The awards also acknowledge that Sandhaven has met the required European Union standards for water quality, with Blue Flag beaches subject to even tougher tests meeting the very highest international standards.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, added: “This achievement is no mean feat. Our staff go to great lengths to keep our beaches clean and safe and these awards are testament to that commitment.”
Sandhaven is one of 68 beaches across the country to be awarded a Blue Flag this year and one of 111 to be granted The Seaside Award by Keep Britain Tidy
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Leisure and Culture, said: “Our beaches are a key reason why so many visitors return to the Borough every year.
“This is a fantastic accolade which I’m confident will draw yet more people to our stunning, golden beaches. Securing this award is a great achievement and one which will help us in our endeavours to make South Shields the premier coastal town in the North East, with plenty to offer residents and families every single day of the year.”
Keep Britain Tidy’s Coastal Award Manager Paul Todd said: ‘‘As an environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy is committed to improving the quality of the places where people live, work and holiday and these winners have proved their commitment to providing the best possible beaches for locals and visitors alike.
‘Visitors can be sure, if they visit a Blue Flag or Seaside Award-winning beach, they are visiting one of the best beaches in the world.”