THREE of Cornwall's beaches have ranked in the top five 'dirtiest' beaches in the Southwest, according to a new analysis. 

The research, which was carried out by rubbish removal company, Clear It Waste, examined over 400 beaches across the UK, looking at various factors 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. 

Cornwall's Porthluney Beach ranked second on the list, beaten only by Combe Martin, with an overall water cleanliness score of 7.55/10. With an average count of 75 cfu/100 ml E. coli in the water, Porthluney’s water was assessed and classified by the Environment Agency back in 2022, and was rated sufficient - which doesn’t seem terrible, but is the lowest classification in the South West. 

Cornwall's Par Sands was fourth in the rankings and has an overall water cleanliness score of 7.81/10. This is despite having the lowest E. faecalis count in the Southwest (80 cfu/100 ml) and also boasts the lowest E. Coli count in the South West (38 cfu/100 ml). 

Long Rock Beach ranked fifth with a modest overall water cleanliness score of 7.97/10. This is despite its high average count of E. faecalis 262 cfu/100 ml. However, Long Rock has a pollution risk level of 0, the lowest in the South West.

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Combe Martin has been ranked the dirtiest beach in the Southwest, with an overall water cleanliness score of 7.20/10. 

This score can be attributed to an average count of E. faecalis, 287 cfu/100 ml - the highest in the South West. Not to mention a high count of E. coli too, 160 cfu/100 ml, 75% more than the E. coli found in the water at Par Sands in Cornwall.

Combe Martin also has the highest pollution risk level in the South West - scoring 3.3/10.