Coastal resorts around the Vale triumph in the Wales Coast Awards 2022
Following submissions by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, five marine locations around the County have received prestigious Wales Coast Awards.
This recognition, consisting of either a Blue Flag or Seaside Award, is handed out by Keep Wales Tidy to high calibre coastal spaces.
Southerndown beach, Penarth Marina, Whitmore Bay, Jacksons Bay and Cold Knap in Barry have all received one or the other of those accolades.
The awards play an important role in protecting marine environments and are recognised
around the world as a symbol of quality as successful locations must maintain high environmental standards and achieve stringent water quality targets.
The Blue Flag, awarded to Southerndown beach and Penarth Marina, is a world-renowned environmental status that recognises areas of great water quality, environmental management, cleanliness, and safety.
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has inspired environmental awareness and educational activities worldwide to promote the importance of marine habitats and social responsibility.
The Seaside Award, marked with a distinct yellow and blue flag, is the national standard for the best beaches.
The award, given to Whitmore Bay, Jacksons Bay and Cold Knap in Barry, recognises clean, attractive, and well managed coastal areas around the UK.
The full list of awards can be found on the Keep Wales Tidy website.
Cllr Mark Wilson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “I’m thrilled to see five locations in the Vale recognised in this years’ Wales Coast Awards - Well done to everybody who works hard to improve and maintain our marine environment, including the many volunteers that help keep our beaches clean.
“I hope that the awards encourage many more visitors to enjoy the Vale’s coast, bringing many benefits to local communities and businesses.”
“I’m proud that the Vale has contributed to Wales’ achievement of having more Blue Flag beaches per mile than anywhere else in the UK, as revealed by Keep Wales Tidy.
“As we continue to strive to achieve a clean and well managed coastline, I hope to see more locations added to the award list in the future.”