Dawlish Discussion

As the statement has been made about the famous black swans in Dawlish why have the two main swan lights at the viaduct never been on, or fixed if they are broken. This little town has charm lots of charm but there is very little for the tourist to see or do. I'm not saying be like Torquay or any other major resorts, Dawlish has it's own character. It has been said before what's happened to the brook lights? Glad to hear that money has been allocated to revamp the town. All we need now is some nice shops for visitors. I overheard a mother saying to her family  " no good going up there, there is nothing to see" what a sad comment to hear. True I'm new to Dawlish but as a newcomer i can see the faults, as most of the long standing members of this community also see and very often make comments no doubt to the local council but only to fall on dead ears.  

I love this little jewel of a town set in the most wonderful countryside to be seen anywhere in our green and pleasant land. The people are friendly but it's missing out on such a lot of potential.

Thanks for reading.

John

Re. the lights along the brook - it may have escaped your notice but they were submerged but a few weeks ago!  Once waters finally subside, I'm sure that they'll be tested and, if safe, turned back on. 

The Strand renewal will help breathe new life into the town, and this is just one element of the ongoing regeneration that is slowly but surely taking place. By the way, both the town council and chamber of trade seem very open to ideas and offers of practical assistance. 

Nelson,  yes i was very aware of the flooding but the brook lights had been out long before that as stated in older post's.  From how i read your post's you have been a regular on this forum, so tell me how long has the big swan lights by the viaduct been out? As for me i have only been here since May 2011. I chose to live in Dawlish for the charm of the town and the ease of getting around by public transport if needed.  Thirty years ago i left these shores to work and live in the USA and now retired i chose to come back to my homeland, and so to Dawlish. Before leaving for the USA i had lived in Torquay.

I do hope for this little town that something is done soon to bring it back to it's former glory not just for the population but for all the traders that rely on tourism.

Regards

John

Sorry to disagree, but the Brook lights were working prior to the flood.  The black swan lights by the viaduct haven't been switched on in the 18 months I've been here. 

I would be interested to know when these mythical "former glories" ever existed!  Just reading the 10, 25, 50 years ago column every week in the Gazette shows that people round here have always been complaining about something or other to do with the town. 

Nelson, as i said the lights were working before the flood. People in this country have always complained not just Dawlish, it's the British way.  

Brooklyn I agree with everything you say and Nelson the lights over the Brook are under the control of TDC now, and were switched off I believe (October) the end of the holiday season. TDC obviously think the residents dont need them on. Im wondering if the Swan light is something to do with Network Rail and the revamp of the viaduct

Re, the lights, It has been famously said; "build it and they will come"...... Blackpool, Paris, London Eye etc etc 

Surely the point is, if the swan lights were working, if the river lights were switched on (even for a couple of hours a night) and other enterprises were upgraded, like a lick of paint on the food stall under the bridge etc ...... People, locals and visitors alike would be attracted to town, be more likely to spend time in town, spend thier money at the local stores etc. Totnes being the shining example, I think

And say what you may, these initiatives must come from the local councils. The Swan lights, the food stall etc may be the railway's property? but it's the council's responsibility to do the liaising and get them fixed up? 

Build it and they will come ...... 

It always amazes me how many people move to Dawlish.........and then whinge about it!

Whingeing or pointing out blemishes that locals might have just got used to over the years? A fresh pair of eyes has always got to be a good thing surely? Especially when backed up by solid ideas, offers of help, volunteering etc. Locals or newbies, we are all now in it together :-) 

The lights on the brook have been damaged by the constant flooding, I understand the council are working on a resolution.

the "swan" lights are another issue. For some mad reason it would cost a serious amount of money to repair them. I don't actually know why they can't be removed and replaced with something more modern.

the lick of paint is coming. An assessment of street furniture has been made and the council will progressing this as the better weather arrives ( I am an optimist).

the new works on the strand will starting soon and there are other projects to which funding has been allocated.

keep the faith 

Could only happen in Teignbridge, Council fits none IP65 lighting over a river. Cheap skates.