May 2021

With increasing numbers of people ‘staycationing’ this year due to the pandemic, resort staff across Teignbridge are gearing up to welcome visitors to the area, and the two beaches will be boasting their Blue Flags which show their clean bathing water credentials.

This year Teignbridge scooped two of the 76 Blue Flags awarded nationally – which sit alongside the seaside awards for Dawlish Town, Ness Cove and Coryton Cove. 

The international Blue Flag and the UK Seaside Awards are the quality marks for our beaches and mean those visiting them can be sure that they are clean, safe and meet the highest environmental standards, as well as the tough international bathing water quality standards.

Councillor Andrew MacGregor, Executive Member for Teignbridge leisure services said:  “We’re really proud to have received two Blue Flag awards – Dawlish Warren has held the flag now for 23 consecutive years, and this is testament not only to our amazing resorts team, but also to our local volunteers for keeping our beaches looking pristine.

 “We’re hoping that this year will be a bumper season for our local businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector, to give the local economy a much needed boost, but it’s also wonderful that we can offer clean, safe and beautiful bathing waters for our local residents to enjoy, right on their doorsteps.”

 Keep Britain Tidy’s Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said: “This year, more than ever, we are going to be relying on our country’s beautiful beaches to escape for a much-needed break after all the stresses and strains of the past year.

 “Last year, due to the pandemic, we did not have the opportunity to celebrate all the great award-winning beaches around the coast so this year we are delighted to have even more winners than we did in 2019, thanks to the incredible work of the teams around the country that make our beaches clean and safe for us all to enjoy.

 “From environmental education for the local community and ensuring responsible beach use, to cleaning regimes and an increasing number of recycling facilities, it is a full-time commitment to create beaches worthy of these awards.

 “As we all plan our 2021 holidays much closer to home, thanks to the Blue Flag and Seaside Award those choosing to holiday at a destination with an award-winning beach can be assured it will be clean and safe and meet the highest standards for water quality and management.”

 Teignbridge District Council Members for Dawlish NE ward said

 Councillor Linda Petherick:

“Many congratulations on getting the blue flag.  Residents of Dawlish are very proud that we manage to maintain this award and it is very beneficial for the tourism trade at the Warren just what we need to launch us into the summer season."

 Cllr Linda Goodman-Bradbury:

“With the easing of restrictions on the 17th May, this award is just the additional boost that Dawlish Warren needs to encourage visitors to our safe and clean holiday beaches. Congratulations.”

Cllr Martin Wrigley: 

“It’s great to have our fantastic Dawlish Warren and Teignmouth beaches recognised by the prestigious Blue Flag.  It’s a tribute to all those who work hard to protect our environment, from the regular beach cleans, the local wardens and rangers to the innovative policy setting in our councils.  I look forward to a great summer with plenty of people enjoying our local area and the special place that is Dawlish Parish.”