South Shields beach wins awards for the 10th year running

Sandhaven beach in South Shields has been awarded the Blue Flag status and the Seaside award, which are given to beaches that meet the highest standards of cleanliness and safety and which provide visitors with high quality facilities.

The awards also indicate that Sandhaven has met the required European Union standards for water quality, with Blue Flag beaches subject to even tougher tests meeting the very highest international standards.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, South Tyneside Council’s lead member for area management and community safety, said: “This achievement is no mean feat. Our staff go to great lengths to keep our beaches clean and safe and these awards are testament to that commitment.”

Sandhaven was one of 68 beaches across the country to be awarded the Blue Flag and one of 111 to be granted the Seaside Award, which is awarded by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Paul Todd, coastal award manager for Keep Britain Tidy, said: “We are 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.

“Visitors can be sure, if they visit a Blue Flag or Seaside Award winning beach, they are visiting one of the best beaches in the world.”

Councillor Alan Kerr, deputy leader of the council with responsibility for leisure and culture, said: “Our beaches are a key reason why so many visitors return to the Borough every year.

“This is a fantastic accolade which I’m confident will draw yet more people to our stunning, golden beaches. Securing this award is a great achievement and one which will help us in our endeavours to make South Shields the premier coastal town in the North East, with plenty to offer residents and families every single day of the year.”