Dawlish residents are being urged to 'levy pressure' on Network Rail over the regular flooding under the Colonnade, by reporting it to the company.

Many people have contacted the town council about the issue, as it means people with accessibility problems cannot get to Marine Parade during the flooding, because they can't use the steps at the far end.

At the town council's meeting on Wednesday, March 5, the town clerk Andrew McKenzie said he had been trying to get an update from Network Rail since January.

He said the company had assured him that its engineers were investigating possible solutions and would send details when they were available, but he had not received any information despite several follow-up requests.

He suggested that any members of the public who were inconvenienced by the flooding should contact the rail company.

He said: "Unless we can levy that pressure it could be some time before we get some action, and obviously with lockdown potentially easing from March and the potential for staycations happening, we really want that sorted as soon as possible."

Councillor Val Mawhood backed him up, saying it's 'very distressing' for local residents who cannot access Marine Parade, and it was also very important that visitors, who may have seen the seafront on television, were also not prevented from getting on to the walkway.

UPDATE: Since this article was first published, Network Rail has responded to the comments from local residents, including posts on Twitter.

On Thursday, March 11, a Network Rail spokesperson told Dawlish Nub News:

"Our engineers have been onsite this week at Colonnade underpass to bore holes into the stilling basin to improve the drainage.

"We would like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding while we have investigated this and identified the best solution to improve the drainage and prevent future flooding.

"We look forward to the warmer and drier months as spring approaches, alongside the lifting of Covid restrictions, in which local residents, visitors and tourists will be able to enjoy the Dawlish coastline by walking along the completed first section of new sea wall which runs along Marine Parade."

Network Rail can be contacted on this issue by calling 03457 114141, by going to the customer contact page of their website, or by using the Twitter handle @southwestRRP