DAWLISH Town Council is hatching a plan to make sure this year's cancellation of the chicks display at the waterfowl enclosure never happens again. Each year the arrival of the baby birds, including famous black swan cygnets, helps to attract thousands of visitors and kick-start the summer season. But those hoping to catch a glimpse this Easter were disappointed after the second world war Anderson shelter used by the town's waterfowl warden was condemned. 'In a nutshell, the ventilation was not good enough nor conditions sanitary,' said town clerk John Winchester. 'We were also told by our surveyors that biosecurity measures were no longer stringent enough for the 21st century.' The town council is now hoping to take over control of the building from Teignbridge Council and begin a programme of improvements. It is also planning to build a £2,000 quarantine aviary in the grounds of The Manor House, roughly on the same site where a similar structure stood half a century ago. The work could be completed by the end of the year but according to deputy mayor, Cllr Rosalind Prowse, everything hangs on striking the right deal with Teignbridge. 'We have absolutely no spare money so need some financial backing as we don't want to increase the precept,' she said. 'I think Dawlish is seen very much a second-class cousin but it needs uplifting. It's such a pretty town.' A spokesman for Teignbridge Council said: 'The waterfowl at Dawlish are part of the identity of the district and we are working together with Dawlish Town Council to find an effective solution for the future management of the Anderson shelter.' The town's famous black swans have been present since the early 1900s although they disappeared temporarily between the two world wars. Today eight birds make the town their home, fewer than in recent years after a breeding programme removed some of the weaker birds and dog attacks have claimed the lives of others. The post of waterfowl warden is currently vacant but being advertised.
