However there are still areas, particularly in north Wales, affected by bacterial pollution from both sewage and diffuse sources

Kate Hutchinson, MCS Officer

But 21 beaches still failed to achieve even the minimum European Union's standard.

Campaigners say this figure is unacceptably high, and argue that there are particular sewerage problems in parts of north Wales.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS), which publishes the guide, sampled 185 beaches in Wales during the study - only 36% passed, compared with a UK average of approximately 43%.

The MCS believes the Welsh Assembly should establish a comprehensive strategy to deal with pollution and ensure sewage improments continue.

Four of 21 beaches that failed to reach the minimum standard were in north east Wales, including the beach at Prestatyn.

Chris Groves, who owns the Traeth Ganol Hotel on the front, said he was disappointed that the beach had not been included in the guide.

Twenty-one beaches failed the minimum standard

"It has been in guides for years with clean water - it is only when accidents happen we go out

"I believe the tourist guides are always centred on water quality and I think the beaches should be measured on much wider criteria, such as the cleanliness of the sands and facilities available."

Despite the setbacks, a senior council officer in north Wales believes the problems are being addressed.

"We are hopeful that things will improve drastically in the near future," said Ken Ewing, Head of Public Protection for Denbighshire Council.

"We have a new sewerage system coming on stream, and there have been problems with vandalism which have been identified and are being solved," he added.

Bathing quality

Meanwhile an MCS spokesman said the society was pleased with the improvement in Welsh bathing water quality.

"Each year Wales has more beaches recommended in the MCS Good Beach Guide," said Kate Hutchinson, MCS Coastal Pollution Officer.

"However there are still areas, particularly in north Wales, affected by bacterial pollution from both sewage and diffuse sources," she added.

Across the UK, 795 beaches were monitored for bathing water quality between May and September in 2001.

The number of beaches failing the minimum European standard for bathing water quality fell to 61 from 90 in 2001.

The MCS Good Beach Guide 2002 is available free by sending an A5 self-addressed envelope to the MCS at 9 Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5BU.