Two of the city’s main beaches have been classified as ‘excellent’ by the Environment Agency, winning Blue Flags from environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.
The beaches at Hove Lawns and Brighton central have been awarded Blue Flags for the 2019 bathing season. Saltdean beach was also recognised with a Seaside Award.
Blue flags are used to highlight coastal destinations that have achieved the highest quality in water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.
Nick Hibberd, the council’s Executive Director for Economy, Environment & Culture said: “We’re delighted that our beaches have been endorsed as among the UK’s best. The awards recognise the hard work and dedication of our beach cleaning teams and volunteer groups, our dedicated Seafront Office and Beach Lifeguard Team and our partners at Southern Water who are always looking at methods and measures to improve the water quality along our coastline.”
This year Keep Britain Tidy is presenting 208 awards to England’s best beaches, including 71 international Blue Flags and 137 Seaside Awards.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “The success of the 156 beaches in reaching the very high standards demanded by both awards is testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches – from beach managers and volunteers to local people and businesses.
“When you enjoy a trip to a beach flying an international Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.
Chris Ingall, Brighton & Hove’s seafront operations manager added: “This is great recognition for everyone’s hard work. As a city we’re promoting the reduction of single use plastics and removal of waste from our beaches. There is still a lot to be done but the tide is turning on this global issue.
“My message to everyone who comes to our lovely beachfront is to please be considerate, use the bins provided, recycle where possible and leave the place tidy for everyone to enjoy!”