Three Guernsey beaches graded 'poor' for water quality

Three out of 13 Guernsey beaches were graded "poor" for water quality

Three out of 13 Guernsey beaches tested for their water quality last year received disappointing results, the Minister for the Environment has said.

Cobo, Pembroke Bay and Ladies Bay were classed poor under EU Bathing Water Directive guidelines when three of 20 tests at each site were graded poor.

However, eight beaches were classified excellent and two graded as good.

Deputy Peter Sirett, Environment Minister, said: "We're disappointed three beaches recorded a poor result."

The States has said that the poor test results at Pembroke Bay and Ladies Bay are due to the pumping operations from the Vale Pond to Mont Cuet during the operation to put out the fire in the tip.

Following the tests, which were carried out between 1 May and 30 September, Fermain, Grandes Rocques and Havelet beaches were each classified as having excellent water quality.

L'Eree, Port Soif, Portelet, Saints Bay and Vazon beaches also scored the top grading.

The beaches of Petit Bot and Bordeaux received good grades.

Deputy Sirett said: "It is good to note that we have eight beaches which achieved the highest standards under the EU bathing directive - a great improvement over the five beaches which achieved that standard in 2008."