SOUTH West Water has come under fire for its reinstatement works following the multi-million pound water improvement scheme in Dawlish.

The town has endured more than a year of upheaval as large underground storm water overflow tanks were installed, one in the middle of the main green space the Lawn.

While the scheme is now complete, the aftermath is still very much in evidence.

Cllr Rosie Dawson says there are major concerns over how the reinstatement is progressing.

Dawlish Town Council has sent a strongly worded letter to SWW and other utility companies complaining about the condition the town has been left in, particularly the state of the roads.

Cllr Dawson said there are criticisms over the way SWW is clearing up and reinstating areas of the town centre ripped up to make way for plant and equipment and to install the tank and pipework.

She said part of the company’s remit was to restore the area back to either to the standard it was before or better.

But so far, it is claimed SWW is not living up to the deal.

Cllr Dawson explained: ‘There have been issues from the start.

‘Areas on the back Lawn were left uneven after plant machinery had been on it which needed to be levelled to avoid trip hazards.

‘It should have been flat before it was seeded and that was never done.

‘The planting is not what I was expecting and not what was on the plans.

‘We did ask for different planting and there was an opportunity to reduce anti-social behaviour by removing hedging.

‘And we wanted more pollinating plants so there would be less seasonal planting.

‘But the planting does not look like what was agreed.’

The reinstatement work, she said, needs to be of a good standard.

She added: ‘It’s a series of mishaps and poor performance.

‘It was always going to be a challenge with the hot weather we had.

‘But we didn’t have a choice about this project and we were promised it would be back as good or better.

‘We have to keep chasing and pushing and pushing for any improvements and had to fight every step of the way.

‘It’s been 18 months and we’re still going.’

She added that Teignbridge Council, which is responsible for the Lawn, will not accept the Lawn back until it is exactly as planned.

There have also been complaints about reseeding of the Lawn.

Barriers are still in place to give the new seeding time to grow but there was criticism that it was not drill sown and much has been eaten by birds.

South West Water: ‘We have been working closely with local stakeholders on this project, and we want to reassure residents that the reinstatement works are still ongoing.

‘There are plans in the next few weeks for more landscaping works to take place including installing flow metres and turfing.’