Teignbridge beaches flying the flag amongst the best in the UK

Teignbridge’s beaches have once again been recognised as being amongst the best in the UK as Dawlish Warren celebrates a 20th consecutive year of receiving the coveted Blue Flag award.

Leading environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy today also announced that Teignmouth Town Beach, Dawlish Main Beach, Coryton Cove at Dawlish and Shaldon’s Ness Cove had retained their Seaside Awards.

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

By being awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, Dawlish Warren shows it has passed tough 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.

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

The announcement is a timely boost as the summer season gets underway with beaches and resorts hoping for another busy bank holiday and half-term following the fantastic weather welcomed in the early May bank holiday.

To celebrate their landmark 20 years of Blue Flag status, Dawlish Warren Tourism have organised a family fun beach day on Monday 26 May. Events will include a sandcastle competition, circus skills workshop, craft workshop, face painting, RNLI roadshow, beach clean and games.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: 

“The success of the 148 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.”

Councillor Philip Bullivant, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive for Recreation and Leisure, said: “We are proud to say to all our visitors and residents that our beaches have retained their Blue Flag and Seaside Awards for 2018.

“After the cold, wet and windy spring we’ve been enjoying wonderfully sunny and warm weather, which helps attract people to our award winning beaches.

“Keeping our beaches in pristine condition is down to those who use them and the excellent work and support provided by our locally based staff. We recognise and appreciate the commitment by the public and how they are supporting our environment.”

Helen Scott, Chair of Dawlish Warren Tourism, said: “Dawlish Warren Tourism are very proud to be celebrating 20 years of the Blue Flag Award. Sarah Holgate and the resorts team work hard to keep up the high standards for the Blue Flag and this work has really paid off this year with this amazing achievement. Many congratulations to the staff at Teignbridge and all involved.”

Councillor Ted Hockin, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Dawlish Central and North East, said: “It is a case of congratulations to all at Dawlish Warren, our staff do a fantastic job and they are backed up by the business community who make it a wonderful and safe place to visit. I am proud of all involved.”

Councillor Lisa Mayne, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Dawlish Central and North East, said: “Dawlish Warren has been awarded the Blue Flag for the 20th consecutive year, to add to this all the other beaches in Teignbridge that have achieved Seaside Awards, I think we can be very proud of this fantastic achievement.”

Councillor Martin Wrigley, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Dawlish Central and North East, said: “Keeping our beaches safe, clean and attractive requires constant work and vigilance. Receiving the 2018 Seaside Awards for the Dawlish Beaches and a 20th Year of the prestigious Blue Flag for Dawlish Warren is a great recognition. Thanks to the commitment of all the local council staff, residents and visitors helping keep our beaches clean we can continue to enjoy some of the best seaside in Britain.”

Councillor Sylvia Russell, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Teignmouth East, said: “This is another recognition of the hard work done to maintain the high standards of Teignmouth's beach and seafront areas. Congratulations to our resorts staff and to the public for responding to the challenge. Well deserved!”

Councillor Rosalind Prowse, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Dawlish South West, said: "I’m delighted to hear that once again we have achieved these awards and would like to thank the Teignbridge officers for their hard work at keeping our beautiful beaches in such great conditions. They are so important to us all.”

Councillor Humphrey Clemens, Teignbridge District Council’s Ward Member for Dawlish South West, said: “Excellent news, the hidden gem of Dawlish, Coryton Cove, has once again received a well-deserved Seaside Award.”