A controversial project to erect a concrete mermaid at the Point, Teignmouth, has been scuppered.

Artist and sculptor Mike Nance, 71, has campaigned for nearly two decades to be allowed to put his creation at the entrance to the estuary as a 'major' tourist attraction.

It divided opinion, but now his dream has been blown out of the water by a planning inspector.

He dismissed an appeal against the refusal of planning consent by Teignbridge Council, maintaining the statue would be 'visually intrusive, and entirely out of place with the natural and open beachscape.'

Mr Nance's 18-year-old dream seems to have finally sunk, with no way of being salvaged.