THREE Somerset’s beaches have been included in the UK’s top ten sites for swimmers to avoid after a rubbish removal company’s study.

Dunster Beach, Weston Main, and Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay were included in a recent study by rubbish removal company, Clear It Waste. 

The study has found which UK beaches are ranked the worst for ocean quality if you are looking to enjoy a swim this summer.

The study examined over 400 beaches across the UK, looking at various factors relating to the water surrounding them, including suspension due to sewage, the average Intestinal Enterococci count (E. faecalis), and the Escherichia coli count (E. coli).

The study then determined an overall water cleanliness score out of ten.

Weston Main had an average E. faecalis count (cfu/100ml) of 113 and an average average E. Coli Count (cfu/100ml) of 76. The overall water cleanliness score out of 10 is 4.99.

Weston-super-Mare Sandy Bay had an average E. faecalis count (cfu/100ml) of 42 and an average average E. Coli Count (cfu/100ml) of 63. The overall water cleanliness score out of 10 is 6.28.

Dunster Beach had an average E. faecalis count (cfu/100ml) of 77 and an average average E. Coli Count (cfu/100ml) of 49. The overall water cleanliness score out of 10 is 5.67.

The study also said: “Weston Main in Somerset came in third on the list of beaches to avoid for those looking to enjoy a dip in the sea, scoring 4.99/10 overall for water cleanliness.

“The beach in North Somerset’s low score can be attributed to a water assessment classification of poor, as well as the high numbers of E. faecalis (113 cfu/100ml) and high E. coli counts (76 cfu/100ml) found in the water.

“The average E. faecalis counted in Weston Main is over 60 per cent higher than Weston-super-Mare Sand Bay (42 cfu/100ml), North Somerset’s second beach to make the top ten.”

The Wharfe at Cromwheel, Ilkley, is the UK’s beach best avoided by swimmers, scoring just 3.5/10 for overall water cleanliness.

Located in the Bradford district, the waters surrounding this beach have been impacted by an average E. faecalis count of 999 cfu/100ml, the highest of all UK waters analysed in the study.

A trip to this beach is sure to leave you high and dry, as its uninviting waters were assessed and classified as poor by the Environment Agency.

Blackpool North takes the second spot, with an overall water cleanliness score of 4.85/10. Contributing to Blackpool North’s poor overall score is an average E. coli count of 39 cfu/100ml, the highest E. coli count of all Blackpool beaches.

In June of this year Blackpool North received a warning due to the sewage in the water, advising members of the public to avoid entering, the study also reported.