Hayling Island’s pristine stretch of coastline wins 24th Blue Flag

The stretch of beach from the Fun Fair to the border of the golf club has been awarded the flag by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign.

It is the 24th year running it has received the accolade.

Councillor Tony Briggs, who is responsible for environment and neighbourhood quality, said: ‘We’re proud to receive this prestigious award once again for Hayling Island.

‘This great achievement is testament to all the hard work that has gone into maintaining such high standards year after year.

‘The Blue Flag is a badge of honour for beaches not just in this country 
but across the whole of Europe.

‘It offers visitors to Hayling Island a guarantee that they have access to a clean, safe beach with excellent facilities, and residents can be proud of what they have on their doorstep.’

The award recognises clean and safe stretches of coastline that promote environmental education and offer excellent visitor facilities.

The criteria to qualify for a Blue Flag includes the provision of first aid facilities, clean toilets, recycling facilities and access for disabled visitors.

The water in Hayling is continuously tested during the summer season to check that it meets the strict bathing water quality standards and winners must also show commitment to environmental management and education.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Coastal Award manager Paul Todd said: ‘It is great to be able to celebrate another fantastic year for the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards.

‘As an environmental charity, Keep Britain Tidy is committed to improving the quality of the places where people live, work and holiday and these winners have proved their commitment to providing the best possible beaches for locals and visitors alike.

‘The public can be sure, if they visit a Blue Flag they are visiting one of the best beaches in the world.

The fact that 141 beaches will be flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award this summer is testament to the hard work of beach managers.