This in from the Isle of Wight council, in their own words. The Blue Flag will be raised in Ventnor at 11.30am today if anyone would like to watch the ceremony. Ed
The Isle of Wight is once again number one in the south east region for award-winning beaches.
The Island has again been awarded three prestigious Blue Flag awards and 11 Quality Coast Awards by Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the Blue Flag scheme.
Total of 14 awards
The total of 14 awards again puts the Isle of Wight in top spot in the south east, with Thanet closest in our region with 10 awards.
The Island has retained its three Blue Flags at Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor. These beaches join Colwell, Cowes, East Cowes, Gurnard, Seagrove, Springvale, Totland and Yaverland in receiving Quality Coast Awards.
Island met strict criteria
The awards are only given if an area meets very strict criteria including high water quality and litter levels.
George Brown, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member responsible for tourism said “Once again we have had excellent news from Keep Britain Tidy about our beaches.
“This retains our number one standing as the best tourism destination in the south east for quality beaches and shows the hard work to maintain our beaches over the last year has been worthwhile. This is very good news for the Island as we build up towards the main tourism season.”
Image: © Chad Powell
