Home / Environment / Torbay Ditches Blue Flag for Local Beach Scheme
Torbay Ditches Blue Flag for Local Beach Scheme
25 Feb
Summary
- Torbay Council decided to withdraw from the Blue Flag scheme.
- A new local scheme, ERBS, will replace Blue Flags, saving money.
- New scheme aims for excellence, quality, and natural beach categories.
The English Riviera, known for its Mediterranean-like coastal charm, will no longer feature Blue Flag beaches. Torbay Council has officially withdrawn from the internationally recognized scheme, citing that it no longer meets the bay's specific needs and has become financially burdensome. The Blue Flag scheme's updated criteria, requiring designated zones for various water activities, are deemed impractical for smaller coves.
In place of the Blue Flag, Torbay Council is introducing the English Riviera Beach Standards (ERBS) scheme. This locally designed initiative will manage all 25 of Torbay's beaches and coves, offering a more cost-effective solution at £260,000 less per year. ERBS will categorize beaches into 'excellence', 'quality', and 'natural' designations, allowing for more frequent water testing and a stronger focus on environmental sustainability and visitor experience.
Councillor Martin Brook expressed that other locations might follow suit, suggesting the Blue Flag scheme has become self-defeating. The new ERBS scheme is set to launch on March 2, with the budget previously allocated to the Blue Flag being repurposed for its establishment. Despite the council's optimism, some local residents have voiced skepticism online, questioning the global recognition of a local system and fearing potential cutbacks.
