of the Island's beaches.

Guests contacted The Royal Gazette with complaints about several South Shore spots, with Horseshoe Bay being particularly bad.

Their letter said: "Surely Ag. and Fish could get their tractor out twice a day if necessary to make sure at least that beach is cleaned.

"As it was absolutely stinking at Horseshoe Bay we decided to try the next beach to the east. Sadly plastic carrier bags overflowing with garbage littered the rocks making that beach unattractive also.

"So we thought we'd have better luck further along at Long Bay or Jobson's Cove.

"Alas who would have thought that those beaches would all be closed off due to the war games of the Regiment? "Why don't we just put a `Closed for business until April' sign on the island?'' Last month Government explained beach clearance was scaled down in the winter months and that seaweed helped stabilise sand and prevent beach erosion.

Opposition Tourism spokesman David Dodwell said the seaweed problem was particularly bad this winter and that certain beaches should be cleared for the benefit of off-season visitors.

He said: "It's worse than normal. They have had time over the last three weeks to deal with this unusual situation.

"I know they cut back on cleaning during the winter but they should continue with one or two primary beaches.

"The Tourism Department should tell the hotels so visitors know where is open.'' Mr. Dodwell suggested Horseshoe Bay, Long Bay, the public part of Elbow Beach, and Tobacco Bay as beaches which should be kept pristine over winter.

Mr. Dodwell said: "The garbage is coming from ships. It's being washed up by the same tides which are washing up the seaweed.'' Tourism director Gary Phillips declined to comment on whether certain beaches should be blitzed.