VOLUNTEERS in Dawlish could be ‘WADE-ing’ in to help improve the state of the Brook themselves.

Town councillor Scott Williams’ proposal to create a trained volunteer force to clear the main waterway through to town was unanimously agreed by fellow town councillors.

A Waterways Around Dawlish Environment volunteer group could now be set up to tackle minor maintenance and enhancement works to the Brook from Tuck’s Plot to Manor Gardens.

An online petition to Save The Brook has already been signed by almost 2,000 people.

Cllr Williams put forward the suggestion with detailed plans for how the scheme will work.

The WADE volunteer group will operate under the Action on Climate in Teignbridge organisation and its experienced wardens will provide training including water safety.

Councillors also agreed that the town council will provide occasional financial help through grant funds to buy tools and equipment, pay for any relevant training and insurance premiums as needed.

In his motion to the council, Cllr Williams said: ‘Residents feel the Brook is looking shabby and work is not happening quickly enough and so a group of local volunteers would be created to take pride in the Brook and look after its upkeep, regularly removing detritus and liaising with stakeholders on the removal of rubbish and vegetation and build up after storms.’

Volunteers will also be trained on the ecology of the Brook and provided with tolls to retrieve any flotsam and jetsam on the water course.

WADE co-ordinators will also liaise with Teignbridge Council which in responsible for the Brook.

Volunteers will have to demonstrate they would put wildfowl, nesting sites and water-based wildlife safety paramount.

Campaigner and Dawlish historian David Force is delighted the motion was passed and sees it as a step forward in bringing the Brook back to its former glory.

He said: ‘Well done to Scott Williams for getting Dawlish Town Council on board to assist financially with tidying up the Brook.

‘We will soon have to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Not before time.’

The campaign to clear the watercourse through the town has been gathering momentum over the last few months.

The petition was the result of complaints about the large build up of silt in the main part of the Brook which became known as the ‘island in the stream’.

There are fears the lack of maintenance is causing a greater flood risk and has a negative impact on tourism.

Supporters want action to have the area managed to ensure it remains the ‘jewel in the crown’ of Dawlish.

The Environment Agency classifies parts of Dawlish town centre to be in a flood risk area.

A number of homes and commercial premises are already difficult or impossible to insure against flooding.

The Brook, which has 20 weirs and sluices along its length, was last dredged in 2013 when silt and other debris was removed in a bid to reduce the flooding risk.