RESIDENTS of Aberporth have reacted with dismay to the news the village beaches have lost their coveted Blue Flag award for the first time in over a decade.

Environmental experts say last summer’s unusually high rainfall led to a deterioration of water quality from ‘excellent’ to ‘good’.

County councillor Gethin Davies told the Cambrian News that Natural Resources Wales officials had told him the higher than average rainfall had a “direct impact” on bathing waters.

“This will come as a shock to many people,” he said. “But I caught only a few mackerel off the rocks, this was because the water clarity was not as great as it usually is.

“The fact is we experienced a windy, stormy summer with heavy rain and water pouring into the streams off the land have effectively stirred everything up.

“The water samples were not what we would usually expect - it’s just one of those things, I’m afraid, a bit of bad luck.”

But Cllr Davies said: “I know Ceredigion County Council is trying very hard to ensure we can get it back next year,” he added.

“I honestly believe the loss of the Blue Flag will mean very little because Aberporth is known for being a safe beach and people will continue to come here, of that I have no doubt whatsoever.”

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