Improvements help beach retain Blue Flag status
A BEACH in Hayling Island has retained its award-winning status thanks to a series of improvements.
Havant Borough Council has retained its Blue Flag status for another year for its Beachlands Central beach.
The Blue Flag awards are managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Foundation for Environmental Education,
with the accolades going to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes.
Beachlands Central retained its high standards thanks to longer opening hours for its public toilets and shower facilities, the introduction of cheaper off-peak parking permits, and a dedicated team working extended hours to ensure bins are emptied, toilets are clean, and the beach is clear of litter.
The plaudit also comes as a new electric vehicle will be introduced to assist staff in getting across the island, with an environmentally friendly zero emissions electric tug and trailer enabling staff to carry full bins and litter bags to a new compactor skip that will also be introduced onto the island.
Councillor Clare Satchwell, cabinet lead for planning, Hayling seafront strategy and coastal management, said: ‘It's great to see our beach retaining its award for another year.
‘We are dedicated to keeping our beaches clean and ensuring the bathing water is of high quality, and it's good to see this hard work being acknowledged.
‘These awards not only show that our beach is one of the cleanest and safest in the country, it also shows us as having a good standard of facilities, which gives peace of mind to both tourists and residents.’