Media centre

Monday 29 Jul 2019

Network Rail commits to summer of Dawlish beach cleans

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Western

Network Rail has announced that throughout the summer, staff will be undertaking regular beach cleans along the Dawlish sea front in Devon to help keep the beach clean and free from rubbish.

The commitment follows Network Rail’s break in work, for the peak summer season, as they build a bigger sea wall which will protect the railway and the town of Dawlish for generations to come.

At least once a week throughout the summer, during low tide, staff will meet to keep the popular beach clear of litter.

The decision to carry out the weekly litter pick follows on from an initial beach clean in early July, when staff focused on the areas around Coryton Cove and Boat Cove, with work continuing along the full stretch of Dawlish sea front.

Positive feedback from the general public, both for the beach clean and for recent work to clear the path beneath Dawlish Station of sand and gravel, resulted in the decision to continue the beach tidies through to September.

David Lovell, senior programme manager for Network Rail's South West Rail Resilience Programme, said: “The stunning views along this stretch of coastline are a huge draw to locals, tourists and day visitors alike. We hope that by taking the time to clear the beach each week, through to the point that we recommence work on the sea wall in September, we’ll ensure that litter does not detract from a great day out here in Dawlish.

“We’ve received many words of thanks from Dawlish Town Council, local residents, tourists on the beach and from followers on our social media channels.

“We also intend to keep up the good work and, to minimise any future waste, as we’re issuing all Network Rail operatives with re-usable drink bottles to ensure no more single use plastic bottles are used during site operations.”