Dawlish News

The famous black swans of Dawlish are 'fleeing' the resort because they are at risk from being savaged by dogs, it is being claimed.Locals say the Brook, where the swans 'live', has silted up so badly in places, that dogs can wade out and attack them and other exotic waterfowl. Now there is a call for the waterway to be dredged to maintain a good level.

Three swans left for an 'awayday' on Friday, but later returned after swimming around the coast for a few hours. But two others are now missing. Coastguards have been asked to keep a lookout for the pair. The town had 15 of the swans, but now only has three.

At least five have been killed by marauding dogs, and councillors fear others may be leaving because they no longer feel safe.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said responsibility for maintenance of the Brook lay with Teignbridge Council. He explained: "De-silting would be expensive, and we would also have to consider that it does not cause any environmental damage to the beach and sea from the dredging."