FISHNG could be banned in the Dawlish Brook completely if a new by-law is introduced.

Town councillors have voted in favour of bringing in the total ban following volunteer efforts to clean up the waterway.

The call also comes after several of the town’s waterfowl, including two of the iconic Black Swans, were injured after ingesting abandoned fishing lines.

In July, the town council appealed to the public to stop fishing in the Brook following the incidents.

Fishing is already banned in the Brook unless a special licence is authorised by Devon County Council.

But the town council is now actively looking to impose a bylaw to the Brook from Carpenters Bridge to the sea to outlaw fishing entirely.

Town councillors voted to back a notice of motion proposed by Cllr Rosie Dawson.

Now the town council is to ask officers at Teignbridge Council and the Environment Agency to instigate such a ban.

Cllr Dawson said: ‘Previously we have asked Teignbridge Council what can be done rather than put a bylaw in place.

‘But a ban now needs to be in force.

‘The town council is not in a position to enforce a ban but if there is a bylaw in place, it could be enforced by either police or the Environment Agency is there are reported issues.

‘There are different options for enforcement but ultimately will be able to put signage in place all around the river.

‘It seems bonkers to be doing to much and working so hard to protect and improve the Brook which is thriving to not then do what we can to stop fishing.’

The Brook has a thriving population of fish with three periods of spawning already this year.

This year there have been regular sightings of people fishing along the Brook but it is not know if any were checked for licences.

While there are some No Fishing signs in place, there have been calls for more to be installed.