​Council ‘shell-ebrate’ as three beaches are recognised with Seaside Awards

Three beaches in Mid and East Antrim have been awarded for their excellence at the annual Seaside Awards.

Brown’s Bay, Ballygally and Carnlough beaches all received the award again this year.

The Seaside Award is a mark of quality management and clean water for beaches across the UK.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “By achieving the Seaside Award Mid and East Antrim showcases its three most popular beaches of Carnlough, Ballygally and Brown’s Bay and by flying the Seaside Award flags, draws attention to the pride it takes in them.

“This award is recognition of the hard work from all the staff in Parks and Open Spaces, and Operations within Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, who carry out duties to ensure the beaches are kept to a standard which keeps people returning to them whenever it is possible to do so.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges for the management of beaches.

The Seaside Awards also work towards sustainable development of beaches through strict criteria dealing with Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, and other services.

In order to ensure the high standards are maintained, Seaside Awards must be renewed annually.

The applications are evaluated by a National Jury made up of experts in public health, tourism and other relevant fields.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council hope that visitors to the beaches and those lucky enough to live close to them can see the benefits they provide for our health and wellbeing and also the memories that are made on trips to the beach.

The care for our beaches is paramount and the Council like to thank all visitors and residents and remind them to leave only footprints, take only memories.