Number of Cornish beaches with Blue Flag status falls 80 per cent on 2013 Cornwall Council has decided not to pay for the 820 inspections this year Businesses in Falmouth and St Ives are concerned tourists will stay away

By Travelmail Reporter

Published: 07:45 EST, 21 May 2014 | Updated: 09:21 EST, 21 May 2014

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Towns and holiday attractions in Cornwall are worried that tourists will stay away this summer after the number of Blue Flag beaches in the country plummeted to just one.

In the sun: Porthmeor Beach, near St Ives, will not be able to boast Blue Flag status this summer

This is a drop of 80 per cent on 2013. Last year, five coastal strips in the region flew the prestigious marker of quality and cleanliness, and there are fears among those who rely on tourism from their income that potential visitors will be put off by the news.

Only Carbis Bay a privately owned beach on the north coast of the Cornish peninsula, near St Ives will have Blue Flag status this year after Cornwall Council decided not to involve itself in the application process, arguing that it is too costly.

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Blue Flag beaches in Cornwall reduced in number by 80 per cent, prompting tourism fears