Future of Blue Flag status for Dorset beaches called into question

Sandbanks beach in Poole, Dorset, has had Blue Flag status for the past 36 years

The future of beaches in Dorset getting Blue Flag status has been called into question as a council cuts costs.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said on social media he would be "concerned" if Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council did not apply for the awards for beach and sea quality.

But council leader Vikki Slade replied that "everything was on the table" as the authority tackles a £44m shortfall.

The three towns hold 12 Blue Flags - more than any other UK destination.

Gaining the designation, which is run by UK environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, cost the authority £425 per application last year.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said Blue Flag status was "iconic"

In a post on X, Conservative Mr Ellwood said: "Concerned to learn BCP is looking to abandon applying for our iconic Blue Flag status.

"This award assures visitors that we meet stringent environmental, safety, educational and accessibility criteria.

"Guaranteeing high standards helps our local economy.

"Let's not lose them!"

Replying to the MP's post, Liberal Democrat Mrs Slade pointed to the £44m spending gap and said: "This is going to be tough for every single department of council and every service we operate,

"Our team are having to make very difficult decisions in a very short space of time."

She blamed the previous Conservative administration for its "failure for three years to take difficult decisions".

Blue Flag status has become a standard for beaches around the world

In a statement issued later, Mrs Slade added: "We are currently in conversations with external organisations keen to support BCP's Blue Flag status to understand how we may be able to work together to enable a sector-led application for 2024."

Keep Britain Tidy describes the Blue Flag Award as an "international award presented to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes".

A total of 77 sites around the UK hold Blue Flag status.

Earlier this year Sandbanks received the designation for the 36th year - as long as the awards have been running.

In Christchurch, Highcliffe Beach, Friars Cliff and Avon Beach have Blue Flag status, as do Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Manor Steps, Fisherman's Walk and Southbourne in Bournemouth.

To qualify for the Blue Flag award, beaches must satisfy standards in four categories with 33 individual targets covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.