A Cornish businessman says he's angry Cornwall Council is no longer signing up to the Blue flag beach scheme.
Rob Harris of Ann's Cottage surf stores says the decision not to apply for the status for four council owned beaches could impact on the tourism industry.
Only the privately owned beach at Carbis Bay now has a Blue Flag. Last year council owned beaches at Polzeath, Gyllngvase, Porthmeor and Porthtowan all achieved the status, by meeting strict rules on beach cleanliness and management.
Administration of the scheme costs £820 per beach along with associated running costs of meeting the criteria. Cornwall Council says it can no longer justify the costs at a time of austerity.
In contrast, the neighbouring county of Devon has eight beaches with Blue Flag status, including Dawlish Warren and Salcombe.
You can watch Kathy Wardle's report about the Blue Flag appeal here:
