Littlehampton beach receives seventh Blue Flag

During a flag-raising ceremony, councillor Norman Dingemans, Arun District Council’s cabinet member for economic and cultural development, told the Gazette how people from across the country had applauded the town’s beach.

Mr Dingemans said: “I’ve had several letters, from people up and down the country, telling me how delighted they were with our beaches.

“This is, of course, great news for the district but no surprise for those of us lucky enough to live in this wonderful part of the world.

“Arun residents are rightly proud of what they have on their doorstep.

“There is a great deal of work that goes into maintaining both Littlehampton and Bognor Regis beaches to the highest standard and I am pleased these seaside awards recognise that.”

Littlehampton is now part of an elite band of only four beaches across the south east which are able to fly both the Quality Coast Award and the Blue Flag.

Littlehampton Beach ward Arun councillors Dr James Walsh and Emma Neno and town mayor Joyce Bowyer joined Mr Dingemans as the flags were raised above the Promenade.

Phil Barton, chief executive of Keep Britain Tidy, which runs the Blue Flag scheme in England and the Quality Coast Awards, said: “Traditional beach holidays in this country were always centred on our seaside resorts and we urge holiday-makers to rekindle their passion for the wonderful coastline and resorts throughout the south east of England.”

Bognor Regis beach was also awarded a Blue Flag this season.

Arun council leader, councillor Gillian Brown, said: “These Blue Flags prove that our beaches continue to shine, offering residents, daytrippers and holiday-makers alike well-maintained and well-managed places to visit.”

Nationally, 32 beaches across England received both a Blue Flag Award and a Quality Coast one.

There are 147 award-winning beaches in England this year – with 70 Blue Flags and 109 Quality Coast Awards between them.