VOLUNTEERS in Dawlish are preparing for bad weather.

Members of WADE Waterways Around Dawlish Environment are keeping a close eye on water levels and reviewing over the net next few days whether the sluice gates on the weirs will need to open.

Spokesman and town councillor Scott Williams said: ‘It's likely we will only do this if there is a flood risk.

‘At the moment we have been watching both cygnets being trained by their parents in walking out of the pools up the paths beside the weir.

‘The parent swans are also putting cygnets on their backs if they need help.

‘We think they will be safely out of the water before any potential rainfall event would endanger them.

‘Due to the large amount of autumn leaves, after consulting with the Wildfowl Warden, we feel putting a net across the bottom weir would not be suitable, due to the large amount of autumn debris - branches and leaves - that would then collect in the net and probably break it.’

Meanwhile three men have been spotted fishing on the Brook earlier this week.

Cllr Williams added: ‘Can we please remind everyone that hooks and birds do not mix.

‘It is not even legal fishing season.

‘If you see anyone doing this please report it to the Dawlish Town Council.’