Save the BeachOnly a few days left to get your comments to Network Rail
The most important thing you can do to save your beach is to let Network Rail know how you feel.
Completing the survey and writing to Network Rail carry the most weight of all - and must be done by the end of February 2020.
Fill in the Network Rail survey >>
Write your comments to Network Rail - SouthwestRRP@networkrail.co.uk and copy in Andrew Haines, CEO. andrew.haines@networkrail.co.uk and julie.gregory@networkrail.co.uk
The resilience of the railway is vital and so is the environment, economy and wellbeing of the local community
Network Rail's proposal threatens far more than just the beach yet could be turned into a great asset for the area.
Environment The construction of this scheme will leave a colossal carbon footprint and will 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.
Economy
The construction period is estimated to last at least eight years.
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 ugly and incongruous design annihilates the railway heritage and the unique character of this beach, which draws visitors from near and far.
See the full Human Chain gallery >>
Teignmouth and Holcombe beach in words, pictures and letters >>