General Discussion
state of the strand
What do other people think of the outdated feel to the Strand? The state of the Bow Windows 'restaurant' to name but one is appalling. Lots of places are closed during the winter - its as if the town is stuck in 1958.
Do you agree that the town needs an uplift and bringing into the 21st century? Its run as if its a giant retirement home.
The Strand, and Dawlish in general may need a bit of a tidy up, but it is a small seaside town, not a modern shopping mall, making modern changes would completely ruin the character of the town. Leave well enough alone.
Who said anything about a modern shopping mall? It would be nice to have a decent cafe (instead of those that close in the winter) and some proper shops instead of charity shops, estate agents and cheap tat.
How can you call the dilapidation of Bow Windows 'character'? Don't confuse 'character' with being down at heel.
Yes I noticed the Restaurant .. without mentioning the name again! .. complete with scruffy chalk boards looks very unwelcoming. The sad honest fact is ..locals never support their own town (unless snowed in) and business has to thrive on visitors ..so don't knock them. The grass is always greener etc..I had a case recently when I was shopping in Exeter..picked up Cheese and Bacon ..put it down again ..I thught I know it's cheaper in CostCutters at 99p ..ok some items are higher priced. I don't think you can expect big multiples to rush here ..when they know people shop outside ..even Barclays left !
Leave the town as it is ..but yes..some shops could smarten up the paint work!
How about opening one ? ..set an example ..what would you sell ?
I agree to an extent to keep it the same but i also think it needs to be tidied up a little. I havnt been in that restuarant so i cant speak for that as we usually go to the staion cafe....value for money.
The warren changed its style and moved to the 21st century and most people hate the 1 shopping complex there (well the ones i know do)
People come to small places like Dawlish because they love the look and feel of the place. Change it and its ruined.
Why not put a skateboarding rink all around the stream /grass etc...and stop people sitting there. They wouldnt bother coming again.
They already skateboard round the green ..as they are unable to work out anything else to do. I really do not understand this 'we don't want visitors' in the West Country? It does not happen in other Counties. Yet people living here have the nerve to go on holiday to other parts of the UK and expect to be welcomed!
Take away the visitors... with locals shopping away.. you have a dead Dawliah town ..note November. Perhaps that is what people really seek. I wouldn't open a shop / business in the knowledge. Businessess do do their research and it's based on that .. is what you have.
Whilst on moans ...'The Hole in the Wall' when opened was a nice pub ..now they have placed a pool table in the front window. That says 'this is a Pool / Games / Football pub' and clearly is to select certain customers. Sadly it is where the money is ..wish there was a nice 'smoke and football free' pub.. where yoo could have a meal.
Re a pub which is football free etc - there is, the Brewery Tap in the High St which is trying to cater for a different clientele and should be supported. I agree that the local businesses are going for a certain market,probably a safe and easy one, but that is not to say that other markets can't be targetted. Aren't there 'upmarket' shops in Ashburton or Brixham?
Its surely not right that Dawlish can only survive by catering to one section of the population.
If I opened a shop, I would open a decent bookshop, a small 'New Look' style shop for younger people, a proper art gallery, a mini-Tescos, or some Gandy Street style shops. Also a cafe with internet access and a Starbucks style coffee house.
We went to the Brewery Tap a couple of weeks ago. It had a lovely atmosphere and we had a brilliant meal. The staff were also great. Deffinately recommend it! No sign of any football there!!
I used Shopping Mall as an example of modern shopping facilities !! You obiously have a problem with Bow Windows, you cannot say the rest of the Strand is in the same state, Im sure the other shop keepers would be really chuffed to hear that !
In response to 'down at heel?' - yes, VERY down at heel. I also have a problem with shops that are closed from October to May. The whole of the Strand, bar one or two shops, seems stuck in the 1950s. I can't believe other people don't have a problem with the state of Bow Windows. Its a real eyesore.
Why have you got such a problem with Bow Windows ?. If it bothers you that much, why dont you go and tell the owners !
I totally agree.
If you dont like Bow Windows, shop opening times, and it seems Dawlish in general, why dont you move to somewhere that suits your needs ?
Re moving elsewhere - don't you think that people should take an interest in where they live and try to improve it where necessary? Dawlish is a very nice place but it has allowed to fall into a state of decline from a combination of laziness and business interests. Some of us want to do something about it.
Its a shame local issues can't be discussed without some people seeming to take things personally. I am doing something about it, and only welcome constructive responses, thanks.
Time to close down that Amusement Arcade though.
It really has become increasingly desperate in its resources. 2 p coin shifting machine. I mean ....really, come on !
By all means preserve the low wall opposite for reasons of posterity, for it has been the historical bum-warming site of countless Dawlish teenagers.
Under my Lord Mayoralty i'm afraid the nearby mini gold would get nailed too.