Three Christchurch beaches awarded Blue Flags for “excellent” water quality by Keep Britain Tidy despite sewage pollution

Three Christchurch beaches have been awarded Blue Flags for having “excellent” water quality – despite being polluted by sewage more than 140 times last year.

Globally recognised as a mark of excellence and signifying well-managed beaches, the awards are dished out by Keep Britain Tidy.

Avon Beach, Highcliffe and Friar’s Cliff scooped the flags thanks, says BCP Council, to its “continuous investment and dedicated year-round work on seafront maintenance, safety, and environmental programmes”.

But last year Avon beach and Friars Cliff were polluted 138 times in 2024 while there were five sewage dumps off Highcliffe beach last year, according to water company data.

In a statement the council, which received a total of nine blue flags, said: “These accolades are a fundamental element to the region's tourism success, attracting millions of visitors annually and significantly boosting the local economy. They provide visitors with confidence in the quality of their chosen destination.

“Visitors are encouraged to contribute to preserving the beauty and cleanliness of these award-winning beaches by disposing of litter responsibly and adhering to the 'Leave Only Footprints' principle, supporting the area's vision for sustainable and eco-friendly tourism and helping to keep these beaches award-winning for years to come.”

Cllr Richard Herrett, portfolio holder for destination, leisure, and commercial operations at BCP Council, said: “We are fortunate to have such a breath-taking stretch of coastline on our doorstep and ask our visitors to help us stay award-winning by picking up their litter, leaving only footprints and protecting our environment for generations to come.”