BEACHES in Wales are cleaner than ever. The Good Beach Guide 2002, launched today, gives its highest "recommended" rating to more than a third of beaches. The majority have passed stringent EU targets for low pollution levels. But the Marine Conservation Society, which produces the guide, has warned that there are still serious problems with sewage making its way onto certain beaches. The minimum standard has not been reached by 21 beaches in Wales. There are also concerns that the public is becoming confused about different awards for beaches. At the moment there are a number of different awards which can be given to beaches in Wales depending on their cleanliness in a number of different areas, which means that they can be commended for some criteria but not for others. This means that Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire is in the new guide but still does not have European Blue Flag status, which is seen as the most prestigious award. Both take into account directives from the EU on water pollution. The new guide, available on the society's website, recommends 66 beaches in Wales from the 185 it sampled but 21 failed the minimum standard for water cleanliness. This is an improvement from 2001 figures, when 60 beaches were recommended and 26 failed the minimum standard. Kate Hutchinson, coastal pollution officer for the MCS said, "We're pleased with the improvement in Welsh bathing water quality this year. "However, there are still areas, particularly in North Wales, affected by bacterial pollution from sewage and diffuse sources. "There is a problem in Prestatyn and in some parts of the south." | 
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