SIGNS warning against swimming in the sea off Teignmouth may not be going up after all, it has been predicted.

The big campaign to clean up the polluted water seems to be paying off, and Nick Smart, from the Environment Agency, said they were hopeful the dreaded 'poor' classification could be avoided.

Unless the water improves, the warning signs will be compulsory next year, under much stricter European regulations, which would have a serious impact on tourism.