Downpours cost beaches Blue Flags

Bridlington North beach kept its Blue Flag (picture by Chris Arundel)

Two beaches on the east coast have been stripped of their coveted Blue Flags.

Bridlington South and Cleethorpes Central beaches have lost the accolade which is awarded for excellent facilities and clean seawater.

The annual awards are managed by the Keep Britain Tidy environmental campaign group in England.

Local officials believe the beaches failed water quality tests because of higher-than-normal levels of pollution in the sea amid last year's heavy rain.

East Riding of Yorkshire councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for tourism, said: "As a result of the flooding last year, the water quality has been affected and that's something we don't have any control over."

Other beaches

Rob Chalmers, resort manager at Cleethorpes, said: "Basically last year's occurrences have affected this year's results.

"Because there was water that ordinarily wouldn't have been here, Cleethorpes has unfortunately suffered.

"Hopefully next year, if we carry on like we have in the last five years, we shouldn't have any problems."

Six of Yorkshire's beaches retained their Blue Flags: Scarborough North Bay, Filey and Whitby West Cliff in North Yorkshire and Hornsea, Withernsea and Bridlington North in East Yorkshire.