Sandbanks celebrates a record 25 Years as a Blue Flag beach
17 May 2012
Poole's Sandbanks beach has become the first beach in the UK to be awarded the Blue Flag for 25 years. To celebrate the occasion the beach hosted a big celebration on 15 May 2012 attended by beach staff, local councillors, the RNLI and members of the local community.
Councillor Judy Butt, cabinet portfolio holder for public engagement and participation at the Borough of Poole, said that receiving the award was a tremendous honour. “When people come to the beach they expect and get a very high standard. What makes it so special is its accessible to absolutely everybody – adults, children, and disabled people. Everyone in Poole is proud of our beaches, especially Sandbanks Beach,” she said.
Clive Smith, head of leisure services at Borough of Poole, said: “These awards continue to put Poole on the map as a quality visitor destination, and I would like to thank all of our staff and partners for their hard work and dedication to ensure that our outstanding beaches remain world class.”
The picture above shows Councillor Judy Butt and Clive Smith receiving a special Blue Flag plaque to mark the beach’s achievement from Keep Britain Tidy’s Richard McIlwain.