Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow beaches have this week been awarded Quality Coast Awards from Keep Britain Tidy.
The two local beaches are among 25 in the South West to be recognised by the environmental charity.
No Somerset beaches were named among the region’s 27 recipients of the prestigious Blue Flag, but eight from Dorset made the list.
Berrow beach has been awarded a Quality Coast Award for a second time after the judges assessed its beach warden service plus facilities such as showers, refreshments, toilets, first-aid facilities and beach car-parking. Although dogs are not banned on Berrow beach, the judges noted that dog control measures are in place and wardens intervene when necessary.
The quality of Burnham-On-Sea beach was also praised for its general cleanliness and safety.
Sedgemoor District Council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “At a time when more and more people are choosing to holiday at home, the rapid growth of visitors enjoying our coastline has highlighted not only the demand but the importance in presenting and retaining clean, attractive and well managed beaches.”
Quality Coast Awards provide a range of benefits, including raising the profile of local beaches and enhancing their position to attract funding for development.
The awards were introduced by Keep Britain Tidy in 2007 to recognise and reward beaches in England that achieve high standards of beach management.
Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that England has more Blue Flags this year and with a total of 142 beaches around England receiving Blue Flags and Quality Coast Awards.”
“Winning beaches along our coastline ensure high standards of excellence for visitors. These high standards are testament to the hard work carried out by beach managers throughout the year in order to provide clean and safe beaches for everyone to enjoy, whether you live on the coast or are a visitor.”
