Controls in leisure centres are tighter than some private facilities

The local authority is believed to be the first in Wales to withdraw their sunbeds over possible risks.

Councillors debated a report which said overexposure to ultra-violet radiation could cause skin cancer, sunburn, serious eye damage and premature ageing.

They have now voted to accept the recommendations of the study and ban the beds.

Offering the sunbed service... could undermine the ethos of healthy-living promoted by the leisure centres Aled Roberts, Anglesey Council

"Users of sunbeds in leisure centres, in general, have to conform to stricter controls to safeguard themselves against overexposure, compared to standards in some private sector outlets," said Anglesey's head of leisure, Aled Roberts.

"However, offering the sunbed service - a service which could be detrimental to good health - could undermine the ethos of healthy-living promoted by the leisure centres."

The ban follows calls from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health for all local authorities to phase out sunbeds from their leisure facilities.

The institute claimed people who used sunbeds were increasing their risk of contracting skin cancer, damaging their immune system and experiencing premature skin ageing.

Sunbed profit

The Sunbed Association, which represents the industry, has disputed the institute's claims.

"There is absolutely no evidence to suggest that responsible use of sunbeds alone contributes to health concerns including skin cancer," said the association's secretary, Kathy Banks.

"I do not understand why local authorities would seek to remove a service that millions of UK adults avail themselves of each year."

Sunbeds at leisure centres in Amlwch, Llangefni and Beaumaris gain the council between �15,000 and �20,000 a year.

"Anglesey Council will lose annual income as a result of this decision but as a responsible authority, maintaining the health of island residents is paramount," said councillor Rhian Medi, who holds the portfolio for healthy and safe communities.

"Evidence suggests the potential dangers of overexposure to UVA rays outweigh any short-term benefits."

People who want to get a tan on the island will still be able to use private facilities in Llangefni and Beaumaris.