Beach given Blue Flag again after status removed

The strip lost its status in 2022

A Norfolk beach has regained its Blue Flag after it lost the status two years earlier.

East Runton Beach had the accolade removed in 2022 based on water quality.

Blue Flags are awarded by Keep Britain Tidy, which makes assessments based on beach safety, facilities including toilets and transport, as well as waste.

North Norfolk District Council said it would continue to work with partners to regain Blue Flags at Mundesley and Sea Palling but it was proud to have six Blue Flags in the region.

Around the county, Hunstanton in West Norfolk retained its Blue Flag status, while Great Yarmouth Borough Council stopped entering any of its beaches into the awards scheme since 2010.

Sheringham, Cromer and West Runton all retained their Blue Flag status with Sheringham and Cromer having held a beach award since 1988.

Although Mundesley and Sea Palling failed to regain their blue flags, they did achieve Seaside Awards.

Council leader Tim Adams said the authority has been working with the Environment Agency and Anglian Water to further improve standards.

“We’re really proud to have the Blue Flag award returned to East Runton for this year," he said.

"Our thanks go to the officers who have worked with our partners to make this happen.

"North Norfolk is home to some incredible beaches, but to have six award-winning beaches is an exceptional achievement.”.

'Exceptionally proud'

Qualifying beaches must meet a certain set of criteria set out by Keep Britain Tidy.

The Environment Agency also undertake regular bathing water testing to monitor the standards and safety of the water for the public.

Councillor Liz Withington, portfolio holder for communities, leisure and outreach said: “We’re exceptionally proud of all of our beaches in North Norfolk, and to see them awarded these prestigious awards is a testament to how well looked after they are.

"These beaches are loved by so many, and we’re pleased to see the Blue Flag returned at East Runton.”

The flags will be raised when the lifeguarding season begins on Saturday 25th May