The Vale of Glamorgan boasts three beaches with water categorised as excellent and another three rated good, data published by Welsh Government reveals.

Water quality at Watch House Bay has also risen one band to be classified as 'sufficient' and is again suitable for bathing so signs warning people not to enter the water will be removed.

The Knap, Col-Huw in Llantwit Major and Southerndown's Dunraven Bay have all been graded excellent, while results showed the water at Penarth Beach, Jackson's Bay and Whitmore Bay is good.

The water at Ogmore remains 'poor' even though there were improvements in some of the samples taken.

Samples are assessed over a four-year period, meaning poor samples from the first year of a two-year assessment period will continue to impact the bathing water classification until a greater number of more positive samples are taken. 

Cllr Ruba Sivagnanam, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Regulatory Services, said: "These results show that the water quality at the vast majority of beaches in the Vale is either excellent or good and steps taken to improve the water at Watch House Bay means that is no longer rated as poor so is safe to swim in.

"The Council will continue to seek action and improvements from Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Dwr Cymru to address the situation at Ogmore.

"It is important to remember that the Council is not responsible for regulating bathing water quality at beaches, but we do want everyone to enjoy these locations so Ogmore's result is disappointin

"The readings taken there show big fluctuations in water quality. Even though the vast majority of samples taken were deemed excellent, on a small number of occasions there were high readings for certain bacteria

"Unfortunately, this testing does not determine the reason for poor water quality. There are a number of natural factors and potential pollutants that could affect the situation

"Everyone wants clean bathing water, and we want that too. But the wellbeing of visitors will always come first so, unfortunately, for the time being, we must advise against bathing at Ogmore." 

Last year, the Council brought together key parties to help tackle issues with water quality at Watch House Bay and Ogmore-by-Sea.

 In addition to the matter being discussed at a meeting of the Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee, involving representatives from NRW and Dwr Cymru, the Council's senior officers led public meetings with local swimming groups from both areas.

 The Council will continue to seek improvements to water quality at Ogmore, so that it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

 Where possible it will work in partnership with NRW and Dwr Cymru but alongside this, it is essential that those agencies focus on ensuring that the Vale's bathing waters are to the highest standards.

 These latest results will again be the subject of debate at a meeting of the Council's Environment and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee early in the new year.

 There senior representatives of NRW and Dwr Cymru will be invited to update councillors and the public on their ongoing work to improve bathing water quality in the Vale.