Pelham Beach has coasted to the top of the seaside table to score the top grade in this year’s Seaside Awards.
The awarded section of the beach runs from the Pier to the Harbour Arm and has scored a Grade A for the second year running. The beach was assessed according to its water and beach cleanliness, safety, availability of information and education.
Around 160 resort beaches are inspected across the UK and score an average of 78%. This year, Hastings scored 91%, up 3% on last year. 68 different tests are carried out based on qualification for Blue Flag and Seaside Award status.
Tests on water quality and impromptu visits are carried out throughout the year by EnCams (formerly the Tidy Britain Group). Resort beaches are expected to have a host of facilities and general cleanliness. Requirements include adequate car parking, toilets nearby, dog bans, lifeguard patrols, bylaws, information boards and excellent water quality.
Scores were:
Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Quality of Life, said:
"Our seafront staff have put in an amazing amount of hard work to ensure that our beach has not only been given a much sought after Seaside Award for the third year running, but also at an A grade standard. This proves that our beach is well managed, maintained and looked after."
"We have a number of initiatives that have played a key role in making sure our beach is one of the best, including the Adopt a Beach scheme which has now been running for two years and takes litter from the beach and then targets the polluters responsible. We also have an excellent lifeguard service during the summer and of course good clean water."
"Our resort services team are now working towards getting a second European Seaside Award for a Resort Beach at St Leonards and fulfilling the criteria to get a Blue Flag at Pelham Beach."
The next Adopt a Beach clean-up takes place on Saturday 26th April at 930. Please contact Adam Hiley on 01424 781020 if you would like to join the volunteers.
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This page last updated: 04/04/2003