Blue Flag status yet again for Dawlish Warren

Dawlish Warren has retained its Blue Flag status for the 17th year running.

Teignbridge District Council is pleased to announce the beach can continue to proudly fly the prestigious flag in the internationally recognised award scheme.

Alongside Dawlish Warren’s achievement, Teignmouth Town Beach, Coryton Cove at Dawlish and Ness Cove at Shaldon have all won high-profile Seaside Awards.

The announcements come just as the busy tourist season gets underway with beaches and resorts expecting another lively bank holiday weekend.

The renowned Blue Flag is presented to those beaches that pass the very strictest of criteria for environmental management, visitor facilities, cleanliness and clean bathing waters, meaning that residents and visitors to the resort can expect a top quality experience.

Blue Flag winners are allowed to fly a Blue Flag during the bathing season and must display their water quality and the facilities they provide on 'easy to read' signs at the beach. Award winners are monitored regularly and if standards slip, the flag is taken down.

The Blue Flag is a particularly strict scheme it is testament to the leisure and resorts staff that Dawlish Warren is able to fly the flag for the 17th year running.

Backed by sand dunes, Dawlish Warren is more than just a bucket and spade beach – it also boasts an internationally protected National Nature Reserve, green space, amusements, shops, pubs and cafes.

In yet another piece of good news Coryton Cove, Dawlish, Ness Cove at Shaldon and Teignmouth Town Beach have all won Seaside Awards - something they have won every year since the scheme launched in 2008.

The independently assessed seal of approval is awarded to beaches which achieve very high quality standards excellent cleanliness, safe access and appropriate signage.

All the awards reassure residents and visitors that they can look forward to some of our best loved beaches but can have confidence that their visit will be both safe and enjoyable with all beaches having to maintain high standards of management, cleanliness and safety.

Teignbridge District Council’s Executive spokesman Cllr George Gribble, said:

“We are really proud to be able to say that we provide safe, quality beaches for residents and visitors to enjoy. Dawlish Warren’s retention of the Blue Flag for the 17th year running is a phenomenal achievement.

“The Blue Flag and Seaside Awards are announced just as we go into another bank holiday weekend and we are the awards continue to help us attract visitors and give local traders, the community and Teignbridge staff a big boost ahead of the busy summer season.

“A big thank you goes to our hard working Resorts staff and Rangers, local traders, partners and visitors for their efforts in making sure our beaches meet the stringent standards to retain these prestigious awards.”

The awards have been welcomed by Teignbridge’s district ward members too.

Cllr Rosalind Prowse, ward member for Dawlish South West said:

“I am delighted that Coryton Cove has a Seaside Award and Dawlish Warren retains its Blue Flag status, both of which boost the summer tourist trade. Our thanks to the resorts staff, businesses and visitors who make this possible.”

Cllr Humphrey Clemens, ward member for Dawlish South West, said: “After all that nature has thrown at it, Coryton Cove is looking at its best; the beach huts looking brightly coloured and clean, the catering facility ready to go and the beach looking clean and tempting. Well done to the resorts team for achieving yet another award.”

Cllr Graham Price, ward member for Dawlish Central and North East, said: “The Blue Flag is a wonderful award that keeps Dawlish Warren as a premier destination. A big thank you to all the Teignbridge staff and the traders for their enthusiasm which has given us another brilliant result.”

Cllr Chris Clarance, ward member for Shaldon and Stokeinteignhead, said:

“The retention of the Seaside Award for The Ness beach is great news and I welcome it.”