Dawlish Discussion

There are fears of a major slump in tourism if the sand on Dawlish Warren beach does not return this summer.

The locals believe the sand has drifted across the estury to Exmouth, leaving just grit and bedrock.

Shifting sands are part of the long-term erosion of the Warren, including sand dunes
which protect a nature reserve and a main railway line.

Dawlish deputy mayor Wally Protheroe said he has never known the beach so bad in
the 20years he's been here.

He believes the sand has ended up at Exmouth due to a combination of the weather
and the fact that the estuary is no longer dredged.

Nothing can be done about the £5000,000 held in reserve for sand replacement
until a survey on the esturary is completed this summer.