The campaign granted the status to 81 beaches reaching tough standards of cleanliness this summer but withdrew the accolade from the 35 following an inspection Sunday which had revealed bitumen on the shoreline across the north coast from the northwestern border with France through to Galicia in the west.

Some of the beaches concerned are hugely popular with tourists, including the Sardinero beach at Santander, which annually attracts thousands of locals as well as tourists who arrive by ferry from Britain overnight and disembark in the port city.

Other beaches affected include the historic town of Comillas 50 kilometres (30 miles) along the Cantabrian coast west of Santander, and Toranda beach in the picturesque Asturian town of Llanes tucked between Cantabria to the east and Galicia to the west.

ADEAC president Jose Sanchez said the presence of bitumen, be it occasional or only in small quantities, automatically meant beaches would forfeit blue flag status from July 31 and would only regain it once there was evidence of the "prolonged absence" of bitumen residue.

TERRA.WIRE