National award for Hartlepool's Seaton Carew beach

Councillor Marjorie James (extreme right) is pictured with members of the Councils Environmental Services Team from the left Ashley Boagey, John Hornsey, Debbie Kershaw and Mick Harrison.

Seaton’s main beach area has been granted the prestigious Seaside Award from environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, which is only given to English beaches which meet the very highest standards of cleanliness and facilities.

The accolade covers:

People enjoy the weather on a packed Seaton Carew beach.

l Safe access to the beach;

l Cleanliness and provision of litter bins;

l Well-maintained and accessible toilets;

l Provision of information points and first-aid facilities;

l And encouraging responsible dog ownership.

Seaton’s beach is cleaned every day and is patrolled by lifeguards during the school summer holidays.

Coun Marjorie James, chairman of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “I am delighted that Seaton Carew’s main beach has once again been recognised for its high standards.

“These awards are not given out lightly and I would like to thank the council staff who work hard all year round to make sure we have an attractive and clean beach which is safe for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“Our golden sands are a fantastic asset to the town and one we should be very proud of.

“There are further, exciting plans for Seaton Carew this year with the major promenade improvements to look forward to and along with the Seaside Award this will help to make Seaton Carew even more attractive to visitors.”

Keep Britain Tidy’s chief executive Allison Ogden-Newton said: “It is great news for holiday-makers, overseas visitors and businesses that rely on coastal tourism that we have been able to award so many flags this year.

“The success of our beaches in reaching the very high standards are a real testament to all those who have worked so hard to protect and improve our beaches – from beach managers to local people and businesses.

“When you enjoy a day on the beach, flying a Blue Flag or Seaside Award, you know you are on one of the safest, cleanest and very best in the country.”

Other planned improvements at Seaton Carew over the next 12 months include a four-metre high sculpture called ‘Waves’ by local artist Stuart Langley, the creation of a new outdoor leisure park with water jets, installation of play equipment, beach huts, picnic tables, crazy golf, landscaping and a facelift for the bus station and clock tower.