Following last year’s joint top position for beach awards, the Isle of Wight has proudly retained its position again this year, taking joint top place with Torbay in the Keep Britain Tidy Blue Flag and Quality Coast Awards (QCAs).
This year the Island welcomes a Blue Flag for Shanklin (pictured) to join Sandown and Ventnor.
In addition to the three Blue Flags, the Island also boasts a whopping 11 QCAs.
We understand that Colwell, Cowes, East Cowes, Gurnard, Seagrove, Springvale, Totland and Yaverland have all retained their QCAs.
To qualify for the awards, very strict criteria must be met with good access, facilities including lifeguard provision, litter free and clean bathing water.
Dogs on beach disqualify Ryde East from Blue Flag
There has been much discussion around the issue of a lack of Blue Flags for Ryde and we’re told that this year, because dogs have not been completed banned from the beach, they council were unable to enter Ryde East for a Blue Flag Award.
Apparently they would have met all other criteria and would have been likely to attract a Blue Flag had this not been the case.
Big boost for ‘staycation’ culture
Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for Tourism George Brown said “This type of recognition is extremely important and brings the Island national and international recognition. Our ongoing tourism marketing campaign is well underway to attract visitors from across the UK and there is the continuing popularity of the so-called ‘staycation’. We know that potential visitors will be impressed by these awards.
“We have stunning award winning beaches, vast areas of outstanding natural beauty and many famous events and attractions. What more could you ask for in one destination”
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Ian Boyd
