Council bosses have celebrated the news that beaches in Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow have this week been awarded awards by the national campaign group Keep Britain Tidy.
The two beaches have been given Seaside Awards in recognition of their high standards of facilities and cleanliness.
Sedgemoor District Council, which manages the beaches, formally received the award flag during a ceremony held on Thursday, as pictured here.
The Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, Cllr Gill Slocombe, and Sedgemoor’s Resort Manager Graham Newing accepted the flags.
Gill told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I’m so pleased for Burnham and Berrow – we have super beaches here and this award gives visitors the reassurance that they are coming to excellent beaches.”
BIARS Tourist Centre Manager Ian Jefferies added: “This award is great for Burnham and credit must go to Sedgemoor and the local groups who carry out litter picks to keep our beaches clean. It’s more recognition for our super beaches.”
It comes as a brand new EU water directive is set to come into effect in 2015 which could see Burnham’s beach rated as poor when visitors may be advised not to swim in the sea.
Council spokeswoman Claire Faun added: “At a time when more and more people are choosing to holiday at home, the rapid growth of visitors enjoying our delightful and dramatic coastline has highlighted not only the demand but the importance in presenting and retaining clean, attractive and well managed beaches. This award is a symbol of quality which guarantees to visitors that our beaches are among the best in the country.”
The awards are given by Keep Britain Tidy and 147 have been announced across the UK. Fifty five beaches have won Blue Flags and 113 have picked up the new Seaside Award. The Seaside Award replaces the Quality Coast Award, which was introduced by Keep Britain Tidy in 2007.
