DAWLISH has got its spark back with the switching on of the first of its new decorative illuminations.

The town, famed for its lights along the Brook waterway, has been in darkness for three years after storms wrecked the previous illuminations.

Now the first part of a lengthy project to restore the town’s glow is lit up.

The Dawlish Illumination Bridge is now shining brightly with more of the Brook lights to return in the near future.

A spokesman for Dawlish Town Council which is behind the restoration said: ‘The newly lit Dawlish Illumination Bridge is looking absolutely fantastic.

‘This is just the beginning of an exciting town council project to bring the Brook lights back into operation.

’It’s wonderful to see this much-loved area shining brightly once again.’

Residents have been delighted with the results.

Historian David Force said: ‘Brilliant to see Dawlish lighting up once more, ready for the summer season.’

Damaged beyond repair in 2023 during severe storms, the Brook has been without its illuminations ever since.

The town council has been working with the Environment Agency to ensure permissions were in place for work to start.

The multi-coloured lighting was a traditional feature of the town centre.

Town councillors have been working behind the scenes on the Members of the town council’s Civic Amenities Committee have been working hard behind to scenes to ensure the return of the popular decorative lighting, choosing the style of lighting, in a string format and moving in multiple colours.

The waterway has been in the dark since the 2023 storms and there had been many calls for their return.

The town council was involved in lengthy negotiations with insurers who took some time to resolve the claim.

Money was earmarked in the 2024 to 2025 budget for the replacements which are remote and manual control LED lighting.

The new look is a complete redesign, aimed at reducing the chance of damage in the future.