TWO new benches have been installed in Dawlish thanks to a disabled resident. 

Carolyn Raby, who uses crutches to walk or a scooter, lives in Dawlish town centre. 

She noticed visitors and those on coach trips who had limited mobility struggled to find places to sit further along the Lawn. 

Carolyn mentioned the problem to Dawlish councillors John and Linda Petherick. 

From their councillor funds, the couple agreed to pay for two benches to be installed in two places along the Strand near the bowling green.

The benches are now in place and Linda and Carolyn had a sit down to admire the view. 

Carolyn explained: ‘There were problems for older people along this part of the Strand.

‘One seat had been removed as it had been damaged so there was nowhere to sit at this end.

‘Lots of people with limited mobility weren’t going further along the Strand.

‘People were missing out and not seeing some of the nest bits of Dawlish as they may need a sit down and they were not seeing some of the best bits of Dawlish.’

Cllr Linda Petherick said: ‘We thought this was a great idea to have some seats put this end of the Strand.’

When the Strand underwent regeneration, many of the seats were taken away.

Two benches are now in place, one facing on the Lawn, the other onto the Strand, about halfway along the Strand. 

It is hoped this will help locals and visitors with limited mobility to have somewhere to sit while enjoying the whole town centre.