BEACHES HIT BY BLUE FLAG BLOW.

Byline: ERYL CRUMP

A SOGGY summer was blamed for four North Wales beaches failing strict European quality standards - so they won't be able to fly the coveted Blue Flag this year.

Beaches at Barmouth, Llandudno, Colwyn Bay and Aberystwyth and the marina at Deganwy were hoping to be revealed as Blue Flag holders by Environment Minister Jane Davidson at a special ceremony in Cardiff today.

Heavy rainfall last summer is blamed on affecting water quality at these beaches.

Keep Wales Tidy chief executive Tegryn Jones said: "Rain affects water quality and added an extra dimension to the challenge of gaining these awards. But the all round improvement in coastal water quality indicates that we are seeing the benefits of the huge investment over recent years by the water industry in Wales."

But one Conwy beach has been awarded Blue Flag status for the first time. Llanfairfechan has been given the accolade after judges assessed it against 30 high European standards.

Harbour master Tony Mead said: "We''re delighted that Llanfairfechan has achieved blue flag status.

It''s the culmination of two years work to get it re designated as a bathing beach.

In all 38 beaches and five marinas in Wales met the strict criteria required to fly the coveted international Blue Flag. Of the eight marinas in Britain that met the mark, five are on the Welsh coast.

Environment Minister Jane Davidson said: "It shows yet again the excellent natural quality Welsh beaches have to offer all of us."

CAPTION(S):

Deganwy Beach is among several N.Wales beaches to lose Blue Flag status, but Llanfairfechan was celebrating winning the accolade