Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong and Ards Peninsula Councillor Lorna McAlpine were speaking after the prestigious award was handed out by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful during the Northern Ireland beach awards on Wednesday, June 1.
Kellie Armstrong said: “This is a fantastic vote of confidence in the local area and testament to what can be achieved by a hardworking team. I have been delighted to take part in several beach cleans over the years.
“I want to congratulate everyone involved, whose dedication never faltered, with volunteers out lifting litter from the beach and dunes to ensure the area could fulfil its potential.
Lorna McAlpine added: “As we continue to enjoy this beautiful summer weather, this award will help to bring visitors to the area, enjoying not only the beach, but all the natural beauty on offer.
“The beach is a well-used vibrant open space and hopefully through the dedicated work of the community, many more people will get to enjoy the first class facilities on offer. We all look forward to the day when at last Cloughey achieves amenity beach status”
The Green Coast Award, in association with Coca-Cola, is aimed particularly (but not solely) at rural beaches which do not qualify for other awards due to the lack of intensive management and high level of infrastructure around the beach area.
Cloughey Beach has received Green Coast awards thanks to the dedication of CDCA volunteers who work all year round to keep the beach, dunes and surrounding area litter free, encourage safe beach use and who have all shown pride in their local community. Previous Green Coast Awards are on view in the Cloughey Pavilion.