TEIGNMOUTH'S tourist trade could be devastated because of polluted seawater.

Unless the water is cleaned up, signs will have to be erected right along the seafront advising against taking a dip.

And if the quality is not improved after five years, the beach will be branded as unfit for purpose and declassified as a bathing beach.

It is a nightmare scenario that would deal a hammer blow to the holiday industry and local economy.

Now the race is on to reduce the pollution before strict new European laws regarding seaside water quality come into force next year.