Progress on key issues for Dawlish

In work carried out by the Dawlish Regeneration Group during 2004 and 2005, analysis of the results of community consultations, the healthcheck and the strategic review identified the key issues for the community of Dawlish and the surrounding area.

Dawlish Community Trust has been able to attract funding and support to make significant progress since that time, in the following issues:

• The lack of information on present employment patterns, the requirements of employers, the potential for new types of employment and the training needed to develop a robust skills base for the future ………….Developed through the Skills Audit - funded by SWRDA and TDC
• Most existing employment opportunities are in the tourist industry and are seasonal, low paid and rely on unskilled labour …………The range of skills and the quality of service is being addressed by the Economy and Skills Officer – funded by Leader+ grant from TRRP, matched by DCC, TDC and DTC with DCT contribution.
• The lack of quality jobs in new 'clean' businesses to employ local resources;
  The lack of a quality business park to attract new businesses to the area;
  The deterioration in the services and condition and appearance of Dawlish Business park ………These three issues are related and may be advanced by development of the employment land at Shutterton Bridge, to be the matter for a public consultation with a supermarket operator early in 2008
• Existing tourist provision lacks quality, range and service. The season is too short, and there is a lack of all weather attractions and events to encourage day visitors and longer stay tourists to stay within the area …The Skills and Economy officer is working with the Dawlish Warren Tourism Group to promote the town and the Warren, including developing new markets and themed breaks (eg cycling / golf holidays) and attract new and repeat visitors to the area
• Concern about the deterioration of Dawlish town centre townscape and the lack of proper planning, guidance and control
• Visitors to Dawlish get their first impressions of the town from the area around Tuck's Plot, but the area including the Station, viaduct, amusements, cafes and surrounding buildings gives a 'down at heel' impression
• The need to retain and enhance the existing high quality natural environment and surroundings of the town and to avoid man-made pollution
• Concern about the over use, poor condition and poor maintenance of the Lawn, the Brook and other parks and gardens in the town
• The need to preserve, enhance and promote the town's heritage, environment and wildlife including the parks and gardens, the Brook, the water wheel and the leat, and Dawlish Museum, by developing a heritage centre or heritage trail
• Conditions for disabled people, pedestrians and cyclists are poor due to narrow streets and pavements, and shopping activity in the Strand is congested
• Dawlish suffers from major traffic congestion especially at peak times in the summer. The A379 Exeter to Teignmouth road merges with local traffic and causes congestion to both
• Parking provision in the centre of Dawlish is inadequate in the summer months
• Dawlish is deficient in convenience shopping and there is a need to improve the quality and quantity of food and other retail outlets
• Local cafes and restaurants do not offer enough variety to appeal to all sections of the community…………………..All of the above issues are being addressed by a commission to yellow book Ltd for the preparation of a Town Centre Plan, which will embrace physical and economic aspects – funded by SWRDA and supported by DCC and TDC. The report is due early in 2008.
• There is a lack of knowledge in the community about the availability of meeting rooms, provision of facilities and the advertising of events in the area.
• Although Dawlish is a close-knit community which values community events, and has a strong and well-appreciated voluntary sector, there are concerns about the lack of provision for young people and a sense that more could be provided for people of all ages …………. These two issues are currently being studied by DCT in collaboration with CAB, TDC and the many voluntary organisations in Dawlish.
• There are questions about how well used existing sport and leisure facilities are; about accessibility and cost, and about how far they represent the real aspirations of different sections of the population. People at work require facilities open well into the evening and offering social potential …..DCT is working with TDC to convene a user group that will represent sport and leisure interests and lead to a constructive plan for improvement in the area.
• There is a shortage of 'affordable' housing in the area and the private rented housing stock needs upgrading ….DCT is engaged in a Devon-wide focus group to explore this important issue and identify ways forward.
• Although Dawlish is a 'low crime' area, there is a growing problem relating to drug use, and the fear of crime means that some people do not venture out. The installation of CCTV in central Dawlish has taken place since 2005, but residents still seek the reassurance of police presence.
• Young people are concerned about the lack of public and private sector facilities, the built environment and personal safety. They feel that a wider range of shops, eating places and events and other activities would to help improve the quality of their lives …..working alongside Dawlish Action for Youth, DCT has supported the successful bid for Lottery funding to the skate piazza at Sandy Lane, at the location for a youth and community centre
• There is concern over the lack of NHS dentistry facilities and the availability of hospital care

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Dawlish Community Trust, Room 7, The Manor House, Old Town Street, Dawlish, Devon, EX7 9AP :: Telephone (01626) 866803