FOUR of Southend’s beaches have been rated as having excellent water quality in the latest Good Beach Guide.

The Marine Conservation Society, which rates beaches for the 2010 guide, gave the highest recommended status for East Beach, in Shoebury; Shoebury Common and Westcliff beaches.

However, Chalkwell beach was listed as being at risk of failing to meet more stringent European standards for water quality being introduced in 2015, unless action is taken to improve it.