DAWLISH can now boast its own ‘islands in the stream’ after the watercourse through the town has developed areas of beach. 

The Brook is a major draw for tourists and the home of the town’s iconic Black Swans and other waterfowl. 

But the issue of ‘to dredge or not to dredge’ is an ongoing problem as environmentalists argue it should be left undisturbed while others fear the lack of maintenance leaves low lying areas of the town at risk of flooding. 

Calls are regularly made for efforts to clear the watercourse which runs through the town.

It’s been more than 10 years since the watercourse was cleared.

A big attraction for tourists, it is also home to the town’s iconic Black Swans and other waterfowl. 

Now, it has been declared it has its own ‘beach’ after several large areas of silt have appeared in part of the water course known as the Boating Pond. 

Dawlish historian David Force says its current state is an ‘embarrassment’ to the town. 

He warned: ‘The Boating Pond has now become a beach, a bike park and a picnic spot. How embarrassing is that?

‘If there’s a bad storm and Easterly gale this winter, there will be floods. 

‘There’s nowhere for the water to go apart from across the Lawn and over Tuck’s Plot, not to mention Brookdale Terrace and Brunswick Place. 

‘It is a shameful situation.’

His comments have attracted a huge response from both locals and visitors, many complaining about the neglected and overgrown state of the Brook, especially the boating pond, the ‘islands in the stream’ opposite the theatre, overhanging trees, unsightly weeds on both banks and the fountain that no longer works.

The Brook is the responsibility of Teignbridge Council.

Mr Force said: ‘It’s time Teignbridge knows how unhappy we are at the state of the Brook  - the jewel in the crown of our wonderful town.

‘The Lawn and Brook are the lifeblood of our town and attract 1000s of visitors every year. 

‘It is imperative these attractions are maintained, otherwise the local traders will be hit hard if the visitors stop coming.’

His complaints have been echoed by many residents who agree the issue needs to be addressed to improve the Brook and prevent the risk of flooding. 

One said: ‘Never seen the Brook looking so sad., so much silt and very overgrown.’

But dredging the Brook comes with additional costs and the risk of affecting bathing water quality while there are suggestions it may not solve the flooding issue. 

In September last year, parts of the town were flooded.

The Brook was last dredged in 2013 when silt and other debris was removed in a bid to reduce the flooding risk. 

The previous year, water levels had risen by about 2ft, bursting its banks and silt and gravel washed downstream and built up to what were deemed unacceptable levels. 

The Brook has 20 weirs and sluices along its length.