THE FUTURE is looking bright in Dawlish as long-awaited plans for new lighting are finally to take a step forward.

Decorative lighting had been a feature of the Brook which runs through the town for decades.

But the lights were wiped out and swept away during stormy weather in September 2023.

Since then, the waterway has been in darkness and for some time, residents have been calling for the illuminations to be reinstated.

Now, Dawlish Town Council has finally confirmed funding has finally become available for replacements and why it has taken so long.

Lengthy negotiations with insurers took some time for resolve the claim, the council said.

Money from the town council’s 2025 to 2025 budget has been ring fenced for the lighting.

This will involve not just replacing the lights but also complete redesign with the aim of reducing the chance of damage in the future.

A town council spokesman said: ‘The next step is now underway, and we’re excited to begin the process of replacing the lights, bringing back that special sparkle to our town.

‘Thank you for your continued patience and support.’

A variety of LED options are currently being considered which could allow for changing colours.

And the proposal is to install the lighting along the length of the Brook as far as the bridge at the end of Tuck’s Plot.

Residents and visitors have missed the illuminations and questions have been asked about when, of if, they would be reinstated.

At January’s meeting of the town council’s civic amenities committee, councillors voiced concerns over negative comments about the lack of lights.

And they said a lack of communication had ‘caused

a negative opinion of the council and councillors and by not explaining the reasoning behind the delay was potentially damaging to the council’s reputation’.

In response to criticisms of the delay, Cllr Rosie Dawson had explained that it had taken more than a year for the insurers to agree a pay out.

Designs need approval from the Environment Agency which also adds to the length of time the replacements will take.

LED lighting is more efficient to run, better for the environment and lower running costs.

Lighting on the Brook had been failing for some years before the storm rendered them out of action for good.

One blown bulb, which was not always easy to replace, would knock out one whole section of the lighting.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to improve the overall look of the Brook

WADE, Waterways Around Dawlish Environment, was set up last year in response to serious concerns over the state of the town’s ‘jewel’.

The new, specially trained volunteer task force will help tackle minor maintenance and enhancement work on the Brook from Tuck’s Plot to Manor Gardens.

A petition to Save Our Brook had more than 2,000 signatures and was presented to Teignbridge Council, calling for action.

In the past, the Brook was dredged of debris and silt build up but current thinking is that dredging is not a viable option.