Brighton and Hove has finally cleaned up its act to receive its first Blue Flag awards for its clean beaches.

Meanwhile other beaches across Sussex have had their water quality downgraded.

The West Street beach, between Brighton's piers, has been awarded Blue Flag status by Encams, the charity behind Keep Britain Tidy, in recognition of its cleanliness and water quality.

It is the first time Brighton has ever been awarded the honour, which is also bestowed for the first time on the Hove Lawns beach.

There is not so good news for Littlehampton's Coastguard Station beach which lost its Blue Flag.

In a separate blow, the 2007 Good Beach Guide, published by the Marine Conservation Society, also downgraded the town's beaches.

The Argus reported in September last year how the beach in Littlehampton was set to lose its Blue Flag after ten separate tests found the water below the standard required.

The pollution was believed to originate from the River Arun and could be caused by agricultural practices.

Bognor also suffered a downgrading in the guide but retained its Blue Flag.

West Wittering Beach and Eastbourne kept hold of the coveted resort award.

Worthing still do not have Blue Flag status but the beach is still highlighted as being good in the Good Beach Guide.

Hastings also does not have a Blue Flag and is rated in the lowest section in the Good Beach Guide, receiving a basic pass.

Blue Flags are handed out to recognise beaches that meet 28 different criteria, such as life-saving equipment, regular cleaning, safe access, toilets and an enforced ban on dogs.

This year, 85 beaches applied for the award in England and all of them were granted it, eight more than last year.

The winning beaches are now of the same standard as Blue Flag beaches in 35 other countries that administer the scheme, including Greece, Spain and Portugal.

Environment director at Brighton and Hove City Council Jenny Rowlands said: "It has taken four years of time, planning and dedication to enable us to meet the criteria to enter.

"First, the council had to make improvements to stop litter and dirt tarnishing the city's chances of winning the accolade, which is likely to be used in attracting visitors.

"It's very difficult to keep a city beach and seafront clean. We have eight million visitors a year and they can be untidy. Before now we weren't confident enough to be able to guarantee consistently high quality.

"But these days we've really got our act together on things like very regular beach cleaning and it's paid dividends. A new tunnel that stops stormwater washing dirt from the land to the sea has also been important for water quality."

Eastbourne Borough Council cabinet member for economy, tourism and environment, Coun Steve Wallis said "These prestigious awards recognise the hard work throughout the year in keeping beaches clean and safe, making us one of the UK's premiere seaside destinations."

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