WORK is starting to reinstate Dawlish after more than a year of upheaval.

South West Water’s multi-million pound scheme to improve water quality has seen major disruption.

But now, residents want the town to get back to looking its best.

Some work has started to reinstate the town’s centrepiece Lawn.

Local contractors Stuart Gray Maintenance have already laid 290 rolls of new turf on part of the Lawn.

A spokesman said they were ‘helping to return the lawn back to its former glory’.

But county councillor Rosie Dawson is pushing for a two year guarantee from SWW for the Lawn.

She has started a petition on change.org to extend the usual 12 month period for reinstating the green space.

She said: ‘I’m concerned that 12 months is not long enough to check for drainage issues or longer term grass resilience.

‘We are aware that the natural dynamics of the lawn, drainage and grass growth may be affected by the large tank and associated workings and we do not wish for the public purse to be liable if further works are required.’

So far, the petition has almost 200 signatures.

The main SWW scheme was due to have been completed by the end of March.

Following this, the restoration work is due to start and expected to continue for several months.

It is understood some work is still to be completed at the Tuck’s Plot site of the crazy golf.

Spray seeding is expected to take place on the Lawn but it will be out of action for some time to allow the seed to set before any light use is possible.

Plant and equipment is starting to be removed from the area.