Illuminations could return to Devon seafront

Illuminations could return to a Devon seafront if a £60,000 town council scheme gets the backing of the county council.

The old decorative lights in Teignmouth were removed in 2021 when the lampposts supporting them were condemned by Devon County Council's health and safety team.

Teignmouth Town Council has set aside the funding for 40 fish-and-anchor-themed illuminated panels to be installed on the replacement lampposts, subject to plans being approved by the county council.

Town Mayor Councillor Cate Williams said the illuminations would be an "investment in our town's economy and vibrancy" if approved by Devon County Hall.

The town council said £60,000 had been set aside in its 2025 to 2026 budget for the illuminations.

"It's seaside, it's family friendly and what people expect when they come to a seaside town," said Williams.

"It's colourful and bright, it uplifts people when they come and sit by the sea or have a stroll along the promenade."

She added: "Money is always tight of course but it's how you use the money you do have that counts, and also that you explain to residents why you're spending their council tax.

'This will be an investment in our town's economy and vibrancy and we'll all reap the benefits in due course by maintaining Teignmouth's enviable reputation as both a great place to live and visit."

Town Clerk Iain Wedlake said the current designs for the illuminations were "motifs which you see all around Teignmouth, of the fish and anchor".

"The actual installation would be swift but we cannot proceed without the two permissions from Devon and Teignbridge," he said.

"That process has taken about four months so far and we're hopeful that decisions will soon be made and we can appoint contractors to start work."

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