Southend today unfurled the flag of success as its beaches were named among the best in Europe.
Shoebury East Beach, Shoebury Common and the Three Shells have all been recognised as being among the cleanest family friendly beaches, not only in the UK but also across 21 participating European countries and South Africa.
Flag of honour - councillor Tony North, foreshore officer Marjory Hall and leisure services director John Dallaway with the flag Southend's clean beaches can now fly Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
All three beaches will be able to fly prestigious European Blue Flags throughout the summer.
The news is another boost for the town's seaside after the beaches were recently named in the Marine Conservation Society's Good Beach Guide 2003 and given four awards by the environmental charity Encams.
The latest awards recognise that Southend's bathing water quality exceeds the legal minimum European standard and the achievement of quality management standards.
Tony North, Southend's executive councillor for leisure, culture and sport, said: "These are excellent results and have been achieved by the hard work of all the pier and foreshore staff, maintenance staff, contractors and working in partnership with the private sector."
Published Wednesday, June 4, 2003
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