Latest news with #BrownFlag
Daily Mirror
12-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
UK beach once loved by Brits shamed with unwanted Brown Flag Award
Despite being surrounded by a lush 140-acre woodland and 'striking' castle, this secluded stretch of golden sands has been named and shamed due to its 'poor' water quality A 'beautiful' beach with sugar-like sand has slowly witnessed its reputation sink into the gutter. Tucked away on the south Cornish coast, with a 'striking backdrop' of the 200-year-old Caerhays Castle and its 140 acres of woodland gardens, lies the secluded family beach of Porthluney. South-facing for maximum sunlight, the tiny cove - which is privately owned - has long been popular with Brits. On Trip Advisor, the beach has a slew of five-star reviews, with many describing the area as 'lovely' and 'picturesque'. However, most praise for the beach appears to be written several years ago, including one traveller who posted back in 2023: "I have visited this beach twice: once when the tide was right out and again when it was in. It is what beaches should all be about - with little rock pools and beautiful sand. Plus, very much a bonus, there's a lovely cafe selling delicious food nearby." Others dubbed the beach a 'beautiful' spot that is perfect for a day of family fun. Even Visit Cornwall, the area's official tourist board, states on its website: "There's plenty of room for beach games and exploring the rocks on the west side at low tide. The beach is excellent for swimming." However, Porthluney has recently been named and shamed, after winning an unwanted ' Brown Flag Award ' for the second consecutive year. UK travel firm granted the beach the tongue-in-cheek gong as part of its 'top of the plops' guide. The company analysed official data from the Environment Agency to figure out which beaches had the worst water quality. While not endorsed by any government body, the 'awards' shed light on some of the UK's grubbiest seas. The firm has even offered to send Porthluney a 'tasteful' brown flag with a poo emoji to 'warn swimmers'. "Some of the worst water cleanliness readings were found at beaches at popular resorts including Blackpool, Weston Super Mare, and Bognor Regis," explained "This doesn't necessarily mean the whole beach is 'poor' for bathing - it is sometimes just one section of beach. "The water quality readings are based on readings taken in the warmer months (i.e. May 15th to September 30th). The sea is less likely to be clean in winter, as it rains more which leads to more unpleasant stuff overflowing into rivers and into the sea." The Brown Flag Awards - full list of winners Winners of the Brown Flag had to score the lowest possible 'poor' rating from the Environment Agency's water quality tests. This may be due to levels of bacteria such as e-coli from sewage and other waste. In alphabetical order by county, the winners are: Porthluney in Cornwall Coastguards Beach, Erme Estuary in Devon (Poocomer for 2025) Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach in Dorset (Poocomer for 2025) Southsea East in Hampshire Deal Castle in Kent (Poocomer for 2025) Dymchurch in Kent (Poocomer for 2025) Littlestone in Kent Blackpool North in Lancashire St Annes North in Lancashire Heacham in Norfolk Weston Main, Weston Super Mare Sand Bay, and Weston Super Mare Uphill Slipway in Somerset Dunster Beach in Somerset Blue Anchor West in Somerset (Poocomer for 2025) Bognor Regis, Aldwick in Sussex Worthing Beach House in Sussex (Poocomer for 2025) Tynemouth Cullercoats in Tyne and Wear Littlehaven Beach in Tyne and Wear (Poocomer for 2025) Scarborough South Bay in North Yorkshire Bridlington South Beach in East Riding of Yorkshire
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Tiny UK seaside village with pretty beach once named among Britain's dirtiest
The number of UK beaches awarded the Brown Flag Award went up by almost 50% in the past year, but this Kentish seaside spot was the only one to buck the trend St Mary's Bay in Kent was so infamously filthy that it was given the notorious Brown Flag Award due to the amount of bacteria in its waters, based on official Environment Agency data. Caused by sewage, agricultural runoff and drainage issues, the negative publicity the beach subsequently received deterred visitors and impacted local tourism, with residents and business owners expressing frustration at the persistent pollution and its effect on the area's reputation. For years, St Mary's Bay struggled with water quality issues. The Environment Agency even posted 'Do Not Swim' warnings after detecting significant levels of faecal matter in the sea during the summer of 2023. At the time, an Environment Agency spokesman said: "[We] will continue to work with its partners to fully investigate the reasons for the decline in bathing water quality at St Mary's Bay. All agencies involved are working to identify, remove and reduce the sources of the pollution to ensure that the status of this bathing water improves. "As part of our investigations, we are monitoring several potential sources of pollution including septic tanks, misconnections and potential sources of diffuse pollution." Southern Water and other agencies also acknowledged the challenges, citing the complex causes and pledging to improve the situation through better monitoring and pollution source identification. Local campaigners and politicians also called for more testing and investment in water infrastructure to ensure accurate, up-to-date assessments. analysis of the Environment Agency's summer water quality data identified beaches not up to cleanliness standards, with the number of Brown Flag beaches in England jumping from 13 in 2024 to 19 in 2025 — a 46% increase. But St Mary's Bay has bucked this trend to achieve a remarkable turnaround. Over the past year, it became the only beach in the country to be upgraded from 'poor' to 'sufficient' in water quality, resulting in the removal of its Brown Flag status. This improvement is the result of sustained efforts by local authorities, environmental agencies and community groups, who worked together to clean up the beach, upgrade sewage treatment and raise public awareness about the causes of pollution. Today, St Mary's Bay stands out as a revitalised and attractive seaside village, its long stretch of sandy and shingle beach offering a peaceful escape, while also connecting with the nearby Littlestone and Dymchurch beaches. The bay's promenade provides scenic views of the English Channel and the area's tranquil atmosphere, free from large commercial developments, preserves its traditional seaside charm. The transformation of St Mary's Bay is a testament to the impact of community action and targeted investment. While Kent still has three beaches on the 2025 Brown Flag list — the joint highest in England alongside Somerset — St Mary's Bay is no longer among them, having successfully 'cleaned up its act'. Robbie Lane from said: 'I would like to extend my sympathies to beaches in Worthing, Lyme Regis and the other newcomers who have given Brown Flag Awards for the first time. 'Commiserations also to Weston Super Mare, Blackpool and other resorts that have retained their 'awards', like a stubborn barnacle clinging onto a sewer pipe. We had hoped that we'd handing out fewer Brown Flags this year — but the numbers have surged. 'Several of the newcomers are newly designated swimming spots whilst others have gone down the pan since last year. The good news is that two-thirds of beaches in England are rated as 'excellent' for their water quality. 'Do your research this summer and you'll be saying 'wish you were here' rather than 'wish I'd worn a hazmat suit'. 'Let's give a shout out to St Mary's Bay in Kent, which is the only beach in the whole country that managed to wipe away its Brown Flag!'
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Britain's ‘worst' beaches to visit this summer with surprising golden-sand hotspot top of the list
Scroll to see the full list below BEACH PLEASE Britain's 'worst' beaches to visit this summer with surprising golden-sand hotspot top of the list Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE UK's "worst" beaches to visit this summer have been revealed with one surprising hotspot ranking top of the list. As Brits make the most of the warming weather, the Environment Agency has put together a list of the 19 most filthy seaside spots. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The 19 filthiest beaches have been revealed using water quality data Credit: Alamy 4 East Cliff beach in Lyme Regis makes a surprising appearance on the list Credit: Alamy These were measured using the agency's water quality data and then marked on a map. It was revealed that the number of "Brown Flag Beaches" has soared by 46 per cent this year. Brown Flags are a "poor" rating by the EA and are usually caused by the amount of sewage in the water. Cullercoats, a sandy beach in Tyne and Wear, received a poor rating from the EA despite having recently gained a glowing review by a travel magazine. Tourists heading to Littlehaven, South Shields have also received a similar warning, telling them to avoid the water where possible. The news comes ahead of what could be a scorching summer, when families will flock to their local beach for children to play in the sea. The worst counties for these beaches are Somerset and Kent, so families may want to stay wary of where they plan a seaside trip. Water companies are permitted to occasionally discharge excess wastewater into the sea during heavy rainfall. However, according to industry regulator Ofwat, some firms have been "routinely releasing sewage" outside these times. This exercise - known as dry spilling - has caused a spike in water toxicity and closure of dozens of beaches. Thousands flock to UK beaches and parks to bask in 26C highs ahead of bank holiday weekend scorcher But those in Northumberland can rest easy, as over 90 per cent of its beaches were given the highest possible score. Dorset, Devon and Cornwall also scored well when it came to cleanliness although each of the counties is also home to a Brown Flag beach. Lincolnshire and Hampshire also scored well for water cleanliness. analysed the data from the Environment Agency. England's filthiest beaches, revealed: MANY popular beaches appeared on the Brown Flag list. 1 Porthluney, Cornwall 2 Coastguards Beach, Devon 3 Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach, Dorset 4 Southsea East, Hampshire 5 Deal Castle, Kent 6 Dymchurch, Kent 7 Littlestone, Kent 8 Blackpool North, Lancashire 9 St Annes North, Lancashire 10 Heacham, Norfolk 11 Weston Main, Weston Super Mare Sand Bay and Weston Super Mare Uphill Slipway, Somerset 12 Dunster Beach, Somerset 13 Blue Anchor West, Somerset 14 Bognor Regis, Sussex 15 Worthing Beach House, Sussex 16 Tynemouth Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear 17 Littlehaven Beach, Tyne and Wear 18 Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire 19 Bridlington South Beach, East Riding of Yorkshire Spokesperson Robbie Lane told the Mail: "I would like to extend my sympathies to beaches in Worthing, Lyme Regis and the other newcomers who have given Brown Flag Awards for the first time. "We had hoped that we'd be handing out fewer Brown Flags this year - but the numbers have surged. "Do your research this summer and you'll be saying 'wish you were here' rather than 'wish I'd worn a hazmat suit'." Last year, a study of 400 beaches looked at the amounts of sewage, faecal matter and counts in the water. Three stretches of Blackpool Beach, which welcomes 18 million visitors a year, made the top ten of the filth table. Blackpool North was the worst offender, returning 4.85/10 for overall water cleanliness, making in Britain's second dirtiest beach. In June 2023, Blackpool North - which sits in front of Blackpool Tower - was closed due to sewage in the water, with members of the public told to stay clear. It was among four Blackpool beaches which advised people not to swim due to sewage in 2023. All of Blackpool's beaches were found to have a 10/10 pollution risk by DEFRA. 4 Porthluney, Cornwall is an unlikely feature on the list Credit: Alamy
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Britain's ‘worst' beaches to visit this summer with surprising golden-sand hotspot top of the list
THE UK's "worst" beaches to visit this summer have been revealed with one surprising hotspot ranking top of the list. As Brits make the most of the warming weather, the Environment Agency has put together a list of the 19 most filthy 4 The 19 filthiest beaches have been revealed using water quality data Credit: Alamy 4 East Cliff beach in Lyme Regis makes a surprising appearance on the list Credit: Alamy These were measured using the agency's It was revealed that the number of " Brown Flags are a "poor" rating by the EA and are usually caused by the amount of sewage in the water. Cullercoats, a sandy beach in Tyne and Wear, received a poor rating from the EA despite having recently gained a glowing review by a travel magazine. Read more on News Tourists heading to Littlehaven, South Shields have also received a similar warning, telling them to avoid the water where possible. The news comes ahead of what could be a scorching summer, when families will flock to their local beach for children to play in the sea. The worst counties for these beaches are Somerset and Kent, so families may want to stay wary of where they plan a seaside trip. Water companies are permitted to occasionally discharge excess wastewater into the sea during heavy rainfall. Most read in The Sun However, according to industry regulator Ofwat, some firms have been "routinely releasing sewage" outside these times. This exercise - known as dry spilling - has caused a spike in water toxicity and closure of dozens of beaches. Thousands flock to UK beaches and parks to bask in 26C highs ahead of bank holiday weekend scorcher But those in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall also scored well when it came to cleanliness although each of the counties is also home to a Brown Flag beach. Lincolnshire and Hampshire also scored well for water cleanliness. analysed the data from the Environment Agency. England's filthiest beaches, revealed: MANY popular beaches appeared on the Brown Flag list. 1 Porthluney, Cornwall 2 Coastguards Beach, Devon 3 Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach, Dorset 4 Southsea East, Hampshire 5 Deal Castle, Kent 6 Dymchurch, Kent 7 Littlestone, Kent 8 Blackpool North, Lancashire 9 St Annes North, Lancashire 10 Heacham, Norfolk 11 Weston Main, Weston Super Mare Sand Bay and Weston Super Mare Uphill Slipway, Somerset 12 Dunster Beach, Somerset 13 Blue Anchor West, Somerset 14 Bognor Regis, Sussex 15 Worthing Beach House, Sussex 16 Tynemouth Cullercoats, Tyne and Wear 17 Littlehaven Beach, Tyne and Wear 18 Scarborough South Bay, North Yorkshire 19 Bridlington South Beach, East Riding of Yorkshire Spokesperson Robbie Lane told the "We had hoped that we'd be handing out fewer Brown Flags this year - but the numbers have surged. "Do your research this summer and you'll be saying 'wish you were here' rather than 'wish I'd worn a hazmat suit'." Three stretches of Blackpool North was the worst offender, returning 4.85/10 for overall water cleanliness, making in In June 2023, Blackpool North - which sits in front of Blackpool Tower - was It was among four Blackpool beaches which advised people not to swim All of Blackpool's beaches were found to have a 10/10 pollution risk by DEFRA. 4 Porthluney, Cornwall is an unlikely feature on the list Credit: Alamy 4 The beach in Weston Super Mare, Somerset also received a poor rating Credit: Alamy
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Dream beach huts become nightmares as locals 'trapped' on toxic coast
The frustrated owners have branded the council as 'greedy' after finding themselves stuck in a 'vicious circle' of paying high rents or give up the plot Furious beach hut owners on one of Britain's most toxic coastlines feel 'trapped' and unable to sell because of soaring fees. In Heacham, Norfolk, hut owners have been hit with ground rent charges that have skyrocketed from £200 to £730 in just three years. The disgruntled owners are calling the council 'greedy', finding themselves caught in a 'vicious circle' of either coughing up hefty rents or surrendering their plots. Their vibrant chalets have become almost unsellable, with new buyers expected to shell out a whopping £2k transfer fee. Adding insult to injury, pollution issues in the Victorian seaside village have led the Environment Agency to label the water quality as 'poor'. Heacham recently featured among a handful of other beaches that were dubbed Britain's dirtiest and given a Brown Flag award. Holiday Park Guru unveiled its second annual Brown Flag Awards last week. Using official Environment Agency water quality data to select the 'winners', the firm has sent out tasteful brown flags to the worst beaches, so they can warn swimmers of the nastiness lurking just beneath the surface. Warning signs dot the beach at Heachham, advising against swimming due to elevated levels of bacteria and other pollutants. Gary Hall, who has frequented his family's hut in Heacham since the 1980s, lamented: "It has taken away the community there and the companionship built up over the years. "They have destroyed something special through their greed. People I have spoken to have said they would not touch them with a barge pole because of the high costs," he added. Pam Slote, a retiree from Wisbech, expressed her frustration: "We feel incandescent and very cross." Beach hut plots are being relinquished back to the council as owners struggle to afford them or find a buyer. David French, 78, is contemplating giving up his hut, remarking: "They are killing the goose that laid the golden egg." A spokesperson for West Norfolk Council said: "While it is important to note that these are the conditions that all parties signed up to, we acknowledge that during the 10-year period of the leases, changing market circumstances mean that some of these conditions may not be as suitable as they were when agreed in 2016. We are sympathetic to the position of the owners and intend to address these issues during renewal discussions, in time for the leases to be renewed early next year." Brown Flag Award winners (In alphabetical order, with new entrants flagged 'poocomers') Porthluney in Cornwall Coastguards Beach, Erme Estuary in Devon (Poocomer for 2025) Lyme Regis Church Cliff Beach in Dorset (Poocomer for 2025) Southsea East in Hampshire Deal Castle in Kent (Poocomer for 2025) Dymchurch in Kent (Poocomer for 2025) Littlestone in Kent Blackpool North in Lancashire St Annes North in Lancashire Heacham in Norfolk Weston Main, Weston Super Mare Sand Bay and Weston Super Mare Uphill Slipway in Somerset Dunster Beach in Somerset Blue Anchor West in Somerset (Poocomer for 2025) Bognor Regis, Aldwick in Sussex Worthing Beach House in Sussex (Poocomer for 2025) Tynemouth Cullercoats in Tyne and Wear Littlehaven Beach in Tyne and Wear (Poocomer for 2025) Scarborough South Bay in North Yorkshire Bridlington South Beach in East Riding of Yorkshire
