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Designated bathing beaches will be tested weekly

Four of eight applicants for status not approved for status

Four of the Island's beaches will be designated bathing waters from May next year.

Eight areas applied for the status, but just half were found to meet the required standards.

It comes as the Isle of Man Government adopts the EU's bathing water directive from 2006, replacing the previous 1976 guidance used on the Island.

Port Erin, Port St Mary, Ramsey South and Douglas all receive the designation, and those using the beaches will see changes between now and the start of next year's bathing season, such as new signs.

All four beaches were found to have good or excellent quality water - the minimum standard to be designated for bathing is good.

Water in the areas will have to be tested weekly for bacteria to comply with the new rules, with results published online.

Peel, Peel Fenella and Laxey were not approved, while further investigation is taking place into the water standards at Ramsey North.

The bathing season will run from 1 May to 18 September.

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