RESIDENTS campaigning to improve a picturesque waterway in Dawlish are ploughing on with their bid to clear it of silt and debris. 

Despite pleas to dredge the Brook, which runs through the town, being rejected, the campaigners remain hopeful something can be done to improve its appearance. 

Teignbridge councillor and Dawlish resident Rosie Dawson says the Brook does need to be maintained and work needs to be done to enhance the way it looks.

It was good to see people ‘passionate’ about it and wanting change, she said.

Teignbridge Council which is responsible for the Brook and the Environment Agency say dredging is costly and would not prevent long term issues of flooding. 

They say they are currently working together to find a better way to manage flooding and the overall appearance of the Brook. 

Options are being discussed how to manage its appearance. 

Dawlish historian David Force is one of a number if residents calling for work to be done since a ‘beach’ of silt appeared on what was previously a boating lake. 

He said he felt the Environment Agency had ‘washed their hands of us’. 

He said: ‘Dredging may or may not make a difference to flooding, it was dredged in 2013 and flooded in 2014. 

‘But so many people are disgusted at the state of it. It really looks so shabby and unsightly. 

‘Even if it can’t be dredged, we need to do something and clean it up.

‘There are overhanging trees and shrubs appearing in the banks which eventually will undermine the wall.

‘We can’t afford to do nothing, Dawlish relies on having a nice looking central area. 

‘If we do nothing, people will think twice about coming.’

Former Mayor of Dawlish Howard Almond commented: ‘It is not only about flood prevention. The main issue is the appearance of the whole area, which includes trimming back and removing bushes from the banks, as well as dredging.

‘Whilst dredging may not make any difference to flooding, which is subject to argument anyway, it certainly won’t make it worse, and will definitely improve the amenity value.’

The Brook was last dredged in 2013 and at the time, Teignbridge Council said it was important to help stop flooding. 

But more recent flood modelling by the Environment Agency has indicated dredging would make little difference to the risks of flooding in that part of the town. 

There have been offers of help and machinery to clear the water but MP Martin Wrigley said the silt maybe contaminated and wildlife and fish needed to be protected.

However, some residents have argued the Brook is so silted up, the trout population has been almost wiped out. 

There is some good news on new, replacement lighting along the Brook which had been destroyed by a storm. 

Negotiations with insurers have delayed the scheme but the design has been approved and it is hoped they can be installed before too long. 

Work is also due to take place to repair the fountain.