MORE than 800 people have now backed a petition calling for improvements to the ‘eyesore’ railway viaduct in Dawlish.

Launched by county councillor Rosie Dawson, the petition is asking for the town’s iconic landmark to be repainted and restored.

Supporters argue the current rusting state of the viaduct gives a poor impression of the town for visitors.

Resident Pippa Fitzwater said: ‘It is such an eyesore and really can’t be left like this.

‘Residents and visitors are very angry.’

However, last year in response to previous criticism of the viaduct, Network Rail said: ‘As a publicly funded body, we have a responsibility to ensure funds are used in a way which helps us provide a safe and reliable railway.

‘Unfortunately, the costs involved in painting the viaduct cannot be justified for what would be a cosmetic change.’

Cllr Dawson’s petition says: ‘For too long, the iconic Dawlish railway viaduct has been left to deteriorate while repeated requests for it to be properly repainted have been refused.

'As one of the most recognisable landmarks on our beautiful coastline, it should be a source of pride—not a symbol of neglect.

'Dawlish is a town that relies heavily on tourism, with tens of thousands of visitors arriving each year to enjoy our seafront, businesses and stunning scenery. The condition of the viaduct sends the wrong message about our community.

‘We are calling on Network Rail to invest in Dawlish by committing to repaint/restore the viaduct, demonstrating that our town deserves the same care and respect as other parts of the rail network.’