Bridlington kept off top beach list again

Bridlington's South Beach has not had a Blue Flag for nine years

Bridlington's two main tourist beaches have not received Blue Flags in this year's awards.

To achieve a Blue Flag, a beach must meet over 30 criteria set by the award organiser Keep Britain Tidy, including high water quality.

Elsewhere in East Yorkshire, Hornsea secured a Blue Flag for the fourth year and Withernsea for the second year.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said Bridlington South was not eligible for an award this year and that improving water quality was a "matter of urgency".

Hornsea and Withernsea have been awarded Blue Flag status in the internationally recognised scheme

The council said Bridlington South missed out because of past water quality issues.

The Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership, which consists of the Environment Agency, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire Council and Yorkshire Water, said it was working in collaboration to improve bathing water quality.

A spokesperson said: "Bridlington South was not eligible for a Blue Flag or Seaside Award this year.

"The partnership is currently working together, as a matter of urgency, to address the resulting actions following investigations, carried out in 2023, to improve water quality at the site."

Bridlington North Beach was given a Seaside Award, which is lower than a Blue Flag.

Keep Britain Tidy which runs the Blue Flag scheme honours UK beaches if they meet high standards in quality, cleanliness, safety, and have a range of facilities for the public.

The organisation said to achieve a Blue Flag, a beach must meet more that 30 strict criteria, including: meeting water quality standards, providing environmental education, be properly managed, be clean, provide litter bins and toilets, allow no dogs during the bathing season, have lifeguards and life-saving and first aid equipment.

Bridlington misses out

By Paul Murphy

BBC Look North Environment Correspondent

It is the jewel in the crown of the local tourism industry.

But once again, Bridlington has missed out on a coveted award.

The Blue Flag scheme promotes pure water, clean air, safety and access for all.

But it is now nine years since a Bridlington beach was able to fly this symbol of reassurance.

Last year there were 196 discharges into Bridlington bay from Yorkshire Water’s seven combined sewage overflow pipes.

Bridlington South Beach has shown improvement with an excellent bathing water grade for 2024.

But its four-year average has dragged-down its rating to poor.

The town’s beaches continue to be closely monitored by the Environment Agency.