IT'S all change for our local resorts at this year's Blue Flag beach Oscars.
In a new blow to local tourism three local beaches have lost the prestigious quality accolade while a newcomer has been voted among the country's best beaches.
Previous winners Llandudno West Shore, Rhos on Sea and Deganwy will no longer be able to fly their coveted international Blue Flag awarded by Keep Wales Tidy following Tuesday's unfurling ceremony by Environment, Sustainability and Housing Minister, Jane Davidson, at Penarth Marina, near Cardiff.
But there was good news for Llanfairfechan Beach who secured a Blue Flag for the first time in its history.
Llanfairfechan's success sees it join an exclusive club which includes a further two Conwy beaches Penmaenmawr and Llandudno North Shore, compared with five beaches in neighbouring Gwynedd and only one in Denbighshire.
Thirty eight beaches and five marinas met the strict criteria required to fly the coveted international Blue Flag. Of the eight marinas in Britain that met the mark, five are located along the Welsh coast.
Beaches are judged against 30 criteria which include reaching the highest water quality, good litter management, easy to read information, strict dog control and sustainable environmental ethics.
Marinas will have met 16 land -based criteria that will include adequate waste reception facilities, provision of lifesaving equipment and a commitment to respect and safeguard their local environment.
Last year's heavy rainfall was blamed for some beaches losing their Blue Flag status with debris and pollution from agriculture washed into the sea contributing to poor water standards.
Cllr John Boyle, of Gogarth ward, spoke of his frustration at hearing the news the Blue Flag status had been lost from the West Shore.
He said: "I am very disappointed we have lost the Blue Flag status after all this time. It is something we have had for many years.
"In Llandudno we have two beaches of very high standards and they are important to the town. Efforts must be taken to regain the Blue Flag status."
Deganwy Cllr Jason Weyman said: "It is really disappointing. It surprises me and needs to be investigated. If it is the quality of the water we need to find out where this pollution is coming from. The community try to keep up with rubbish collections.
"The problem that we have is that rubbish sweeps in from the sea due to the strong winds. We collected 25 bags of rubbish recently. We are trying to attract people to Deganwy and that's why we are having a Prom Day on May 30. This news will knock us back."
Former Mayor, Cllr Phil Edwards, Rhos on Sea, said: "It is very disappointing. Blue Flag Status is very important for local tourism. We need to know the reasons as alot of work has gone in to keep it clean. It is the jewel in our crown and we need to make sure it is shining for our future."
Cllr Andrew Hinchliff, of Llanfairfechan, said: "I am really pleased. We have missed out on Blue Flag Status for a few years running, due to the measurements. We never had any doubt that it was safe, but it will benefit the town."
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