THE nightmare scenario of bathers being warned off Teignmouth's polluted main beach is now only a year away.

Unless the mucky seawater is cleaned up in the next 12 months signs will have to be erected advising against swimming.

This could have a devastating effect on the tourist trade, but the experts say there is still time to improve the water quality, if there is a concerted effort by the public, businesses and various bodies.

In November next year, much stricter European regulations over sea pollution will come into effect.