Two Flintshire beaches have been given important cleanliness awards.
Talacre and Gronant beaches have been awarded both the Green Coast Award and the Seaside Award (Yellow Flag) by “Keep Wales Tidy” for the season ahead.
The beaches fulfil 13 criteria which fall into five groups – cleanliness, information, management, safety and water quality. To achieve Green Coast Award status the beach must satisfy the EC Guideline water quality standard which is 20 times more stringent than the Mandatory Standard required for Seaside Award status.
The Green Coast Award is a recognition of beaches of the highest environmental quality which are without the level of development and intensive management associated with more urban, traditional seaside resort beaches.
Talacre and Gronant dunes are also designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Flintshire County Council is responsible for monitoring the sea water quality and management of the beaches and dunes in conjunction with partners such as local business, the Environment Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales.
Flintshire County council’s Director of Environment, Carl Longland, said, “I am delighted that these beaches have achieved these awards. It recognises the continued joint working of Council officers with local businesses, agencies and voluntary groups.”
Flintshire County Council’s executive member for Public Protection and Leisure, Councillor Dennis Hutchinson said: “Flintshire has two beautiful beaches at Talacre and Gronant and these awards are recognition of effective working of all the partners involved. They are a true natural tourist attraction.”
