The 2010 season will see Balmedie Beach without a blue Flag as one of the best beaches according to Keep Scotland Beautiful. The title is held by seven Scottish Beaches – none within the North East.
Local Councillor and campaigner, Paul Johnston has expressed disappointment and urged action to regain a blue flag for coming years.
“Its good that Balmedie continues to get a rural beach award. But we used to get Blue Flag. Water quality is an issue, but so is the whole management of the beaches. We have pollutants at Blackdog which in all conscience should be dealt with and we have a sensitive dune system at our northern end being vandalised by a property ‘developer’. From rubbish tips to a housing estate sold on the back of a golf development, there is a tremendous pressure on Balmedie Beach as we know it.”
Councillor Johnston warned that increasing restrictions on use of the coastal area by the development to the North for the housing and golf use, would mean more problems in looking after the smaller central area. “To the South we have problems with rubbish tips and further development – some of which is at least likely to help clean up the mess. But it all adds to the pressure.” said Paul.
“Politicians need to focus on how to improve both water quality and better manage coastal areas to keep them in good environmental condition. Balmedie Beach remains good for the time being, but is clearly going to suffer without action. Our success can be measured by regaining and retaining Blue Flag status. We need to raise our sights with the environment”
Paul Johnston, in looking out from higher ground back towards Balmedie Car parks, showing the line of the boundary between the Trump Development hard up aginst the public access.
