Blue Flags awarded to eight Cornish beaches

The prestigious Blue Flag has been awarded to 8 beaches across Cornwall following efforts from local citizens and businesses. Carbis Bay, which is just around the corner from St Ives, was the only one in Cornwall to hold Blue Flag status last year and has this year retained its flag. The other successful beaches were Porthminster and Porthmeor, both situated in St Ives, Gyllyngvase, Polzeath, Porthtowan, Travone and Widemouth. This Blue Flag status now places them among the best beaches in the UK according to the BBC.

Communities working together

The Cornish community pulled together to achieve this fearing that a loss of their Blue Flag at Carbis Bay could harm tourism. The local council was unable to fund the applications for the award this year as they instead applied for the Seaside awards, in which the county received 7.

Cornwall Council Cabinet member for housing and environment Joyce Duffin said: "It is fantastic to see what can be achieved when sponsors, local beach champions and the council work together."

The Blue Flag was a concept born in France in 1985 and was launched across Europe in 1987 to reward only the beaches with the best quality bathing water, as well as those that met certain criteria relating to waste management, coastal planning and coastal protection. So those staying in our Cornwall holiday properties this year can rest safe in the knowledge that the beaches they are visiting are some of the best in Europe.