Torbay is ditching the internationally recognized Blue Flag beach award, and some are calling it a risky move that could tarnish the English Riviera's image!
In a recent decision, Torbay councillors have opted to withdraw from the prestigious Blue Flag beach quality scheme. The rationale behind this move, as explained by council members, is to better highlight and promote the unique natural beauty and assets that Torbay has to offer. They believe that by stepping away from the international standard, they can craft a more tailored approach to showcasing their coastline.
However, this decision has sparked significant criticism. Opponents argue that by creating their own in-house scheme, Torbay will essentially be 'marking its own homework.' This self-governing approach, they contend, could undermine the reputation of the renowned English Riviera. Councillor Darren Cowell voiced strong concerns, stating, "We are abandoning our ambition to be the UK’s premier resort. This is selling tourism down the river."
Here's the twist: The decision was made unanimously by Torbay Council's all-Conservative cabinet. This move means Torbay will no longer participate in the Blue Flag scheme, which has been setting standards for clean water and excellent facilities in beaches across Europe and beyond since 1985. Torbay currently boasts six Blue Flag beaches: Breakwater, Broadsands, Meadfoot, Oddicombe, Preston, and Torre Abbey Sands.
But why the sudden change? Cabinet members were informed that the Blue Flag scheme's criteria have evolved, making it increasingly difficult for Torbay to comply. The new rules mandate designated zones for various water users – swimmers, surfers, boarders, and motorcraft. While this setup might be ideal for expansive, sandy coastlines, it's deemed 'unworkable' for Torbay's characteristic smaller coves. It's estimated that under these updated regulations, hardly any of Torbay's current Blue Flag beaches would retain their status. Furthermore, being part of the Blue Flag scheme comes with a substantial cost, reportedly around £260,000.
And this is the part most people miss... Instead of the Blue Flag, Torbay is proposing to launch its own initiative, the English Riviera Beach Standards (ERBS), pending approval from the full council later this month. This new scheme promises to double the amount of water testing compared to the Blue Flag system. A report presented to the cabinet suggested that the ERBS would be a more suitable, environmentally conscious, and cost-effective alternative. The report elaborated, "While the Blue Flag scheme has historically offered recognition, its increasingly prescriptive requirements no longer align well with Torbay’s diverse coastline, sensitive marine environments and operational realities."
The English Riviera BID, the area's tourism body, has fully endorsed this pivot away from the Blue Flags.
Supporters of the new ERBS scheme, like Councillor Adam Billings, believe it will allow Torbay's beaches to truly 'shine on the national stage.' He highlighted that adhering to the new Blue Flag rules could necessitate restricting access for some popular users, such as boat owners, and could even involve placing buoys in sensitive seagrass beds. Councillors Jackie Thomas and Chris Lewis also expressed optimism, with Thomas suggesting the new scheme would elevate standards, and Lewis calling the zoning requirements of the Blue Flag a 'nightmare.' Councillor Martin Brook even predicted, "I think the Blue Flag lot have shot themselves in the foot. Places all over the country are going to pull out of the scheme."
But here's where it gets controversial... Opposition councillors have raised serious questions. Councillor Christine Carter wondered how tourists would discover the high quality of Torbay's beaches without the well-known Blue Flag label. Councillor Swithin Long warned of 'severe implications for Torbay’s reputation and economy,' echoing the sentiment that this move would be perceived as Torbay Council 'marking its own homework.' He added, "People will choose to go elsewhere and our coastal neighbours in Devon will be laughing all the way to the bank."
What do you think? Is Torbay making a smart move to promote its unique charm, or is it a step backward that will harm its tourism appeal? Share your thoughts in the comments below – do you agree with the council's decision, or do you side with the critics who fear this will damage the English Riviera's reputation?
