News

Torbay basks in record breaking Blue Flag glory

Its official...Torbay has some of the cleanest bathing waters in the country.

The announcement follows confirmation that a record breaking seven Blue Flags will be flying high over Oddicombe, Meadfoot, Preston, Goodrington, Broadsands, Breakwater and for the first time Paignton, this Summer.

The Environment Agency has been taking water samples across Torbay and the seven beaches have been identified as meeting the stringent criteria set by Environmental Campaigns (ENCAMS). Torbay's Blue Flag beaches had to pass strict criteria on a number of aspects of beach management including access, facilities on offer, good litter management and bathing water quality.

Cabinet Member Councillor Jeanette Richards said: "This really is fantastic news and it will be particularly special to see a Blue Flag flying above Paignton beach for the first time. Our team works incredibly hard to keep all our beaches around Torbay clean and safe and the fact that locals and tourists enjoy our beaches so much is proof that they are excellent.

"Our beaches are fantastic and this global recognition puts us well and truly on the map.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the staff involved for maintaining such high standards including the litter pickers, beach rake tractor driver, the toilet attendants and the beach team. This also includes the late Peter Aunger whose dedication and hard work over the years has seen Torbay constantly at the forefront of Blue Flag holders throughout the country and who will be in our thoughts as the seven Blue Flags are raised this Summer."