Popular Dorset beach loses Blue Flag status

Weymouth Central Beach missed out on the internationally recognised award

A popular Dorset beach has lost its Blue Flag status as nine sites across the county retain the accolade.

Weymouth Central Beach missed out on the internationally recognised award given to beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats that meet specific environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.

It comes after the beach's water quality was downgraded from "excellent" to "good" by the Environment Agency at the end of 2024.

Avon Beach, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs, Durley Chine, Fisherman's Walk, Friars Cliff, Highcliffe, Sandbanks, and Shore Road all received Blue Flags.

Sandbanks beach has been awarded Blue Flag status in every year the awards have been running, with this marking its 38th year of accreditation.

Councillor Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure, and commercial operations at BCP Council, said: "We are very proud to have our beaches recognised, once again, as Blue Flag locations – highlighting our stunning natural surroundings.

"Each day our dedicated teams work around the clock to ensure our beaches meet Blue Flag standards – so that residents and visitors can enjoy the best of our coastline."

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, which manages the programme in England, announced the winners for 2025.

Sandbanks beach has been awarded Blue Flag status in every year the awards have been running

Weymouth Beach and Bournemouth Pier were given a Seaside Award.

Seaside Awards, while also recognising quality and diversity, focus more broadly on a well-managed, clean, and safe beach experience for visitors.

Weymouth Town Council's Town Clerk, Jane Biscombe, said: "We are delighted to be awarded the prestigious Seaside Award for another year. Weymouth Beach is such a fantastic resource for our residents."

In January Matt Bell, chair of Weymouth Town Council's Environment and Services Committee, admitted he was "disappointed" to learn that the quality of the areas water had been downgraded.

He added that the council would "work with agencies including the Environment Agency and Wessex Water to find ways to tackle the cause of the lower rating, and work alongside partners to improve the situation".