'Comparatively minor tweaks' rather than large-scale changes are what's needed to boost Dawlish's tourist trade, according to the people who responded to a consultation by the town council.

Last month the council invited feedback on its draft tourism strategy and asked people to take part in a survey, with a deadline of April 25.

A total of 149 people responded, including some visitors. Of those, 81 completed the survey, and 68 partially completed it – with several people adding notes and comments.

Among the findings were:

- Concerns about traffic congestion and the lack of parking, with fears that just one bad experience could put people off coming back. Respondents also flagged up a lack of signposting for visitors.

- Concerns about unkemptness – the need to smarten up the town – and the necessity of tackling dog fouling.

- A need for better communications and visitor information, particularly since the loss of the Tourist Information Centre

- Some respondents also said the town centre needed more good restaurants to cater to visitors.

Dawlish's best assets, according to the respondents, are the Lawn, Boat Cove, and particularly the black swans and other waterfowl. People suggested improvements to Boat Cove with more boating and kayaking opportunities, and making more use of the Lawn – although most said it should remain an open space, rather than have extra facilities added.

Many respondents thought Dawlish's 'unique selling point' is its 'olde worlde' charm, and that the town should play on its strengths in this area. Opinions were expressed against turning Dawlish into 'another Torquay or Salcombe', with people saying it should remain a family resort without noisy nightlife, and that the needs of residents must be considered, as well as those of visitors.

The findings were presented to the Annual Town Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 5, by the chair of the Tourism Working Group, Cllr Terry Lowther, and a final report will go before the full council later this month.