THE mayor of Teignmouth is 'bitterly disappointed and let down' by the delay of the Spirit of Teignmouth launch.

The 68ft trimaran was due to leave Teignmouth in August, but setbacks, including early objections to the scheme, and bad weather means that it could be delayed until early September.

It will mean that the visitor centre and assembly site will still be open during the height of the summer season in August.

The news was broken to councillors at a private meeting with skipper Simon Chalk on Friday.

Mayor Cllr Geoff Bladon said: 'I feel let down and I feel for those residents in the Den area that are going to have to put up with it for longer.

'However, I do continue my support for this project because it does have benefits for the town in terms of tourism and the economy and we really should support it as a project and make sure that it is a success,' he said.

Town clerk Dave Tickell told Tuesday's full council meeting that Mr Chalk's company Woodvale Events had made up much of the time but anticipated a delay of just 10 days.

But that would mean it clashes with other events on the Den, including the carnival, regatta and fair. 'It appears that the first week in September, while the tide not being perfect, would be a window of opportunity,' said Mr Tickell.

'Perhaps the upside of all this is that at least the many visitors arriving to the resort after the original launch date in July will have the benefit of seeing the yacht in its final construction stages and the visitor centre.'

Teignbridge councillor David Cox said that he had been approached to look into a park and ride scheme to accommodate the number of visitors expected to visit the site during the summer.

He said at Tuesday's meeting: 'I was against it being on the den but it is here now and we must support it to the end. If it is removed early, then all we are left is with a bomb site for the summer,' he said.

Cllr Fred Tooley said that the boat will be a tourist attraction. 'I am sure it will be quite a spectacle in the town,' he said.

Mr Chalk has agreed to meet councillors monthly with progress reports. Discussions have been held with Teignbridge Council at officer level, but the delay is yet to be ratified by councillors. It is possible that organisers will incur penalties for the over-running of the programme.