General Discussion

Spain is offering immigrants lump sums to go home and not to return in three years. It is an attempt to help the economic downturn show some return to normal, which a spokesman said will take at least three years.

We haven't really felt it yet, but when we do, will it also take three years to recover here?

Unfortunately Spain does not have any legislation to deport illegal immigrants and the Balearics is filling up with boat people.

However, most of the summer's 'immigrants' to Dawlish have gone home again, noticeably fewer this year but with what effect to the local economy? Can we do without them, and if we have to, what will the changes be to the local economy without the tourists? This year you could normally walk down the Strand without too much difficulty, but is that minor luxury likely to kill the local economy? Or will it be the Warren to suffer? And if so does the Town care? Another Summer like this weather-wise and the Tourist trade is going to be dead in the water - then where does Dawlish go? Cue regeneration I suppose, but where is that now? Lots of questions here; your thoughts appeciated.

First of all - there are some that say we are stuck in the 19 century, nothing wrong with that, is there? Others say we need to change, do we?
Others are advocating bringing in supermarkets, if I have there thinking right, it will bring more business to the town, will it?

I say - we need change for the better, but not at the expense of ruining the quality of life that Dawlishonians.
Why do others want to make Dawlish like everywhere else?
Why not change but lets be different to attract more people.
People come here now because of its laid back way of life-it is different.
Bring in new attractions and don't bring in what others have already got- thats not change, thats more of the same.