Key things to remember on the beach this morning

The Human Chain will form on Teignmouth Beach starting at 11am and illustrate the position of the new concrete sea wall proposed by Network Rail.

We meet at East Cliff by the Yacht Club at 11am.

Things to remember:

We are not anti-rail:

The resilience of the railway is vital and so is the environment, economy and wellbeing of us all

The environment:

Network Rail's plans will bring a colossal carbon footprint not just in materials used but destroy sensitive marine habitats

The radical realignment of the sea wall could adversely affect tidal flows and dynamic sand movement, resulting in reduced flood resilience and changes to the coastline. The Environmental Impact Assessment will not be available until seven months AFTER the public consultation, and Network Rail are withholding preliminary environmental assessment data.

The local economy:

An estimated eight years:

The plans have been designed so that Network Rail can avoid paying fines for disruption to rail timetables. Teignmouth’s economy depends on its beaches and coveted Blue Flag bathing water quality. Blighted by noise and pollution over these eight plus years, local businesses will pay the price of Network Rail's plans for many years after the concrete mixers depart.

Health:

This wild stretch of beach is the most powerful prescription, freely available, for the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the community.

Network Rail’s incongruous design annihilates the railway heritage and the unique character of this beach, which draws visitors from near and far.

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It is also vital that you let Network Rail know how you feel about their plans:

Fill in the Network Rail survey here

Write to Network Rail - Andrew Haines, CEO andrew.haines@networkrail.co.uk and copy in julie.gregory@networkrail.co.uk

THANK YOU!