TEIGNMOUTH could be at serious risk of flooding because of depleted beach levels, it was learned this week.

Winter storms have washed away huge amounts of sand and the beach in many places is lower than anybody can remember.

It means that waves driven by easterly gales are relentlessly pounding the sea defences, which could be breached, leading to flooding in the low-lying town centre area.

Millions of pounds have been spent on flood defences along the river beach, and now the main threat is from the sea.

The most vulnerable spot is the Point car park, where the foundations are exposed, and at Eastcliff, where rocks never seen before are exposed.