Tourist beaches along the Tendring coastline could soon be flying the coveted European Blue Flag over its beaches.

District councillors last night welcomed a boost by water chiefs to improve sewerage works.

A joint working party with Anglian Water is to be set up and part of its job is to identify which beaches to prioritise for the premier accolade.

At present the only beach to meet the Blue Flag criteria - which signifies water quality and 28 other stringent criteria - is Brightlingsea.

The beach has yet to fly the flag but can now apply for the prestigious award.

Clacton held the award for three years up until the bathing water criteria was changed in 1992.

Since then it has not been possible for any of the resort beaches in the district to achieve Blue Flag status.

Tendring Council reckons the Blue Flag would be a major boost to tourism in the area.

Tendring has been putting pressure on Anglian Water to fulfil new requirements for sewerage.

Work on providing secondary treatment at both Holland Haven and Jaywick is set to be completed by the year 2000.

The working party is also designed to determine how progress can best be made to achieve Blue Flag status.

A council spokesman said: "Achieving Blue Flag status for prime resort beaches in the district will enhance the appeal of the district's coastline for visitors and holiday makers, thus benefiting the local tourist industry and the local economy generally."

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