Something we would leave to the experts, Dawlish Local History Group for example. Dawlish appears to promote its past in a very small way, there are very few clues as to how Dawlish has developed and evolved or what its past industries were.  

Probably not a large industry in the 1800s, but large enough to meet local needs and give pride to the local fisherman.  

There is very little evidence of the number of Mills which were located in and around Dawlish, even less as to what they were used for, the exception is the Mill in Brunswick place.

The arrival of the Railway allowed quicker and easier access to Dawlish heralding the beginnings of a tourist resort.

A Heritage Centre, possibly using the last remaining Mill Building in Brunswick Place, linked to a heritage trail to promote and display the town�s history is worthy of consideration.  Any trail or display should include all local skills and disappearing crafts for example: -  Thatching, Leather Works, Cider Making etc.  By demonstrating the use of water to power the Mills could be a good educational example to young people for renewable and sustainable energy � nothing new about green energy, it has been around for hundreds of years, we have just forgotten about it.

Without doubt the biggest problem for Dawlish Town Centre is the road layout.  A possible solution could be major changes in traffic circulation.  This would involve reversal of some one-way systems, possible bridge strengthening and introducing additional traffic islands.  All of which will be expensive and not without problems, the most difficult task would be accommodating large delivery vehicles.  However, widening the Strand, creating a much wider pavement on the shop side and only allowing parking on the lawn side could be beneficial.  Complete pedestrianisation of the Strand could be counter productive, creating problems for anyone with walking/mobility issues.  The second problem has to be car parking and fees.  We strongly oppose any further loss of car park spaces at Barton Hill car park.  A recent poll taken on Dawlish Town Councils office relocation to Barton Hill Car park was met with complete disapproval from the residents polled.

With the prospect of an out-of-town supermarket in the near future, consideration should be given to 15-20 minute free parking via ticket machine with recorded time ticket to encourage consumers to shop in town.  The introduction of parking ticket machines at all locations in Dawlish must provide change to be given for over-payment.  The new machines should also be able to accept credit card use at areas such as Dawlish Warren. 

Is it possible to link all of the above by means of an extension to the heritage trail, by incorporating walks gathered from old guidebooks?  A trail through these small villages and hamlets reveal many small rural industries and working farms are encountered: Mamhead/Ashcombe Saw Mills, Holcombe Court Farm, Eastdon Amity Farm, Cofton Cofford Farm and Cockwood Cockling and Crab Tiling.  All of these are both interesting, educational and demonstrate the delicate balance between man and nature, a point often overlooked in today�s electronic and technical age.  A number of these villages have an excellent Inn or Pub where locally sourced beer and food are served.  Cockwood in particular has a very attractive Harbour location, its weakness may be the lack of parking but this could be overcome relatively easy.  However, by promoting walking and cycling many benefits could be gained, but it will require more than just signage to maximise the potential of these areas.

Lack of engagement between stakeholders in all of the above locations.  In the past Holcombe appeared to prefer association with Teignmouth not Dawlish and it is possible that Cockwood may prefer to be identified as not being inclusive in the Parish of Dawlish.  We believe in recent times a separate Parish of Cofton was suggested.

To bring all stakeholders together not just Town Centre traders and businesses. To promote and understand Parish wide matters to enable positive ways forward for business betterment.

The Parish of Dawlish has many of these facilities available at present, but there is scope for much improvement.  We understand enlargement of the Leisure Centre at Sandy Lane is scheduled in the future, which is encouraging.  However, it is very disappointing Dawlish has lost the pitch and putt course at this location. 

An independent survey amongst holidaymakers in 2007 by a member of the Dawlish Warren Tourist Group to see �what leisure facilities are missing in Dawlish and Dawlish Warren� revealed many interesting answers.  For example: lack of diving facilities in-door or out-door, ten-pin bowling, climbing wall, out-door music events, gym, water-sport education activity centre, sailing, children�s play area at Dawlish Warren, wet-weather attraction.

It is essential the sport and recreation area of Sandy Lane is formally identified and protected by such legislation to safeguard its future.

Both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren do not promote water-sports as much as our neighbours in Exmouth.  We feel this is a lost opportunity and more research into this is required and greater out-door activity promotion is needed.  These also should include the cycling and walking trails at Haldon Forest.
 

Family holiday resort where the countryside meets the seaside.  Reasonably safe beaches, excellent golf facilities but has suffered immensely in the past from under-investment.

Two of the larger holiday parks have recently transferred from local family ownership to large corporate ownership, but there still remain a few private and locally owned sites in the area.

Severe restraint on activities due to close proximity of SSSI nature reserve.  Appalling under investment to car parks, no children�s play area, and very poor access via tunnel to beach area, albeit some improvements have recently been made.  Encroachment from residential housing development in holiday area.  Beach erosion, poor condition and appearance of beach area, west side of Red Rock.  No covered area protection from inclement weather.

A very difficult area to assess as some redevelopment has already taken place.  The most important consideration to be remembered is that this area is a flood-zone.  All and any development at this location must not hinder the Brook to discharge potential flood waters quickly and safely into the sea, thereby protecting existing businesses and residential properties.  It is of utmost importance to understand the impact of sea level rises will have on this location.  It is not beyond the realms of possibility the Brook may once again become tidal.  Environmental Agency guidance should be sought.

We would oppose any removal of mature trees from the Lawn area.  Public opinion would suggest the amount of wildfowl has grown too large and costs are very high.

We feel many opportunities exist to enhance the Lawn area and much improved linkage to the Manor Grounds is needed.  The Manor Grounds offer a tranquil area of beauty which is often missed by visitors.

It may be possible to include a water feature/children�s wet play area near the Lawn or at Tucks Plot which we feel would not adversely impact on the flood-zone.

Many of the strengths of Dawlish also contain its weakness.  The Railway and Sea Wall are without doubt a serious concern for the future.  A journey by train from Exeter to Newton Abbot has to be rated in the top ten journeys in this country.  However, the condition of the station and viaduct leave much to be desired.  Suggestions of re-routing the railway inland from Exeter area are worrying.  The sea wall is the only sea defence Dawlish has, this we must not forget.

To seek best possible solutions to the needs of Dawlish in the future will require parish wide involvement from residents and business alike.  This could be the hardest part of the challenges which lie ahead but by encouraging active involvement from various groups and individuals hopefully a way can be found to secure a safe and prosperous future for Dawlish.