endring’s ‘excellent’ waters are making a real splash after being named amongst the cleanest in the country.
Visitors and residents alike can have confidence in the cleanliness of waters along the Essex Sunshine Coast, as the latest Environment Agency bathing water results confirm seven beaches have achieved the highest ‘Excellent’ rating – with two more rated ‘Good’.
The waters at Walton, Frinton, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton, Jaywick, Dovercourt and Brightlingsea are all now rated ‘Excellent’, while Clacton’s Martello Beach and Manningtree Beach are rated ‘Good’.
Manningtree’s rise from ‘Sufficient’ last year is particularly welcome, and both Holland and Jaywick have moved up to the top rating.
Councillor Mick Barry, Tendring District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the results were a huge boost for tourism and local pride.
“Our Essex Sunshine Coast is one of the district’s greatest assets – and these latest water quality ratings show it’s among the best in the country,” he said.
“Clean, safe bathing waters give confidence to residents and visitors, encouraging people to stay longer and enjoy everything our coastline has to offer.
“Coupled with our Blue Flag beaches – including Brightlingsea, Dovercourt Bay, Frinton and Walton’s Albion Beach – these results underline Tendring’s reputation as a top seaside destination.”
Earlier this year, Tendring proudly announced seven beaches flying Blue Flags or Seaside Awards, recognising high standards of cleanliness, safety and facilities.
Walton’s Albion Beach regained its Blue Flag after water quality improvements, and other beaches such as Harwich and Martello Bay in Clacton received Seaside Awards.
Councillor Adrian Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, said the council has been championing water quality improvements, working with partners and local community groups.
“Water quality in Tendring matters to all of us,” he said. “With 36 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches and wildlife areas in the country, it’s a big part of what makes our district special.
“We’ve worked closely with partners like Anglian Water and other local groups to keep improving standards – and these latest results show that effort is paying off.
“From the Manningtree Mermaids campaigning for official bathing status – triggering regular Environment Agency testing that helped to drive improvements – to Brightlingsea Harbour Commissioners’ collaboration with the University of Essex to reduce pollutants from boat maintenance project, it’s been a real team effort.
“We’re proud of the progress so far and will keep working with partners to make things even better.”
Nationally, 87% of bathing waters were rated ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’, and 93% met minimum standards, marking a slight improvement on last year.