‘I am Exmouth's number one fan – but it looks neglected’

I have spent the month of August (and other times of the year) holidaying in the town for the past 30 years. I also spent part of my childhood living in Exmouth in the late 60s and learnt to swim in the freezing lido.

During that time I have seen a number of changes for the good, particularly the pedestrianised Strand, the cycle path and the marina. The floral displays have always been beautiful, especially in Manor gardens.

In recent years, however; especially this summer, I have seen a real deterioration in the state of the town. It looks very neglected.

Weeds growing out of many buildings and footpaths, particularly in the town centre.
The grass area in front of the bandstand in Manor Gardens has been worn out since last summer and not been repaired.

This should have been top soiled and seeded in the spring. Same with the grass sections on the Strand and areas along the seafront. Graffiti in every public toilet is the worst ever (take a look).

Sand on all of the steps leading down to the beach as well as along the promenade and the pedestrian area at Orcombe point (not once swept during August).

The area behind the Co-op and Powder Monkey strewn with litter. The facades of many buildings looking decayed (see above Iceland and Premier Inn).

The Orcombe Point steps out of action. Where are the curbside sweepers and the beach tractors to clear rubbish?

Exmouth was once such a wonderful family town with plenty for children to do. In recent years nearly all activities have just disappeared.

The wonderful seafront playpark. The landtrain. Jungle Fun and putting. Lifeguard displays. Sea swim from Starcross. Firework display on the beach. Games in Manor Gardens. Fun run from Orcombe Point. Donkeys on the beach. Maer rock activities with the ranger. Art and craft activities in the library and at A la Ronde. Royal Marine band and Morris dancing along the seafront. Various summer fetes across the town.

All gone, to be replaced by what?

Very little if anything apart from food and drink outlets (and Turkish barbers).

The Sideshore complex in Exmouth. (Image: Grenadier)

The new Sideshore complex looks nice but what is it really? Mainly food and drink.

The now named Queens Drive space, once so vibrant with children and adults, now largely empty except for food and drink outlets. The playpark where the slides once were now just an empty space.

There is so much that could be done to return Exmouth to the place I knew and once loved at minimal cost/effort.

Address the areas highlighted above. Where shops and buildings are closed and boarded up put some large photos of Exmouth today and in the past (see inside Costa and the outside of Whitton Lang).

Commission local artists to paint a mural on the old post office walls. It doesn't take much imagination or cost. If possible, make the Stagecoach building next to the railway station as the visitor information centre perhaps with a café and seating outside.

Have local volunteers around town acting as "goodwill ambassadors".

Perhaps the most important issue I save until last.

Do not accept any of the East Devon District Council plans for the regeneration of Exmouth. They are ludicrous and will only create mayhem for the next decade.

Who are such plans for? A multi-storey car park blocking the beautiful estuary view. Unbelievable!

Such plans will probably bankrupt the town and you, the residents, will end up footing the bill through hikes in your council tax. Believe me, I live in Woking, Surrey, where that exact thing has happened.

Vanity projects by those in power who want to make their mark! Instead, money will be needed to maintain the beach and sea defences in the coming years and improve the town centre.

Exmouth is such a beautiful and unique town. It just needs some care and attention. (I haven't even mentioned the sewage leaks).

Richard Tweddle
Woking, Surrey

This letter was first published in the Exmouth Journal newspaper on September 4.