One of Sussex’s most popular beaches has lost their Blue Flag Status this year, despite having been recognised as a Blue Flag beach last year. Brighton beach, which is often filled with tourists and locals alike, has not been granted a Blue Flag award this year, shrinking the number of Sussex beaches with the award from four down to three.
The Blue Flag award, which is recognised worldwide, is given to beaches and marinas that met certain criteria. This criteria includes environmental, safety, accessibility and educational requirements that should be both met and maintained.
The international award is also given to beaches that met the criteria of having a good water quality. By having a Blue Flag award, it shows the beach has met high standards when it comes to cleanliness, water quality, the management of its facilities, and safety aspects, which it seems Brighton beach may have fallen short of.
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Although Brighton may no longer be waving a Blue Flag award, three other Sussex beaches have been awarded a Blue Flag again and have retained their status. Hove Lawns, Marina at St Leonards and West Wittering Beach have all managed to retain their Blue Flag status, with Brighton the only one in Sussex missing this year when compared to the 2022 list.
While not having the status probably won’t majorly stop tourists and visitors enjoying the beach, the loss of the status could spark some concerns among beach-goers, who may begin to favour nearby beaches like Hove that have been awarded a Blue Flag.
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