Exploratory work has started ahead of a major South West Water (SWW) project in Dawlish.

Workers have begun drilling holes in the car park at Sandy Lane this week and investigations have also taken place on the Lawn.

The exploratory drilling will give SWW a better idea of the most suitable construction method for the extensive works and a clearer timeline for the project.

SWW plans to build new storage tanks and construct a separate drainage system for rainwater to reduce reliance on storm overflows. The project, which is part of a £2.8billion five-year investment programme, is aimed at improving water quality. It is likely to take between 12 and 14 months to complete, with an official start date planned for January 2025.

Last month, SWW explained its plans at a public consultation meeting at The Manor House. SWW head of programme delivery Mark Rands told the meeting: ‘With an increasing population and increasing heavy storm weather events, Dawlish needs to be supported. This project will improve the bathing water quality and reduce the number of storm overflow events.’

‘This is a short-term development which will improve bathing water quality and make Dawlish more attractive to tourists,’ he added.

However, residents are worried about how the work will impact on planned summer events, such as the carnival, that usually take place on the Lawn and are a key driver of the town’s tourism economy.

Dawlish Chamber of Trade and Dawlish Town Council are in talks with South West Water to discuss ‘mitigations’ for traders who will be impacted while the work takes place. Chamber chair Colin Jolliffe is realistic about the need for the work and said that businesses, residents and local groups had come up with 85 different ideas on ways to make the most of the disruption.