TOWN councillors in Dawlish have approved their budget for the next financial year.

Among the priorities for 2026 to 2027 will be redeveloping the avian-flu hit waterfowl aviary.

Last year, up to 50 of the town’s ornamental birds had to be humanely culled after an outbreak of the highly pathogenic disease.

Now the town council will use some of the forthcoming year’s £847,475 budget to redevelop the aviary, alongside the Brook, into an attraction and learning space.

Overall the year’s plans are to invest in ‘sustainability, safety, community, and culture’.

This includes installing solar panels at the Manor House town council headquarters to cut emissions and energy bills for the listed Georgian building.

CCTV across the town is also to be expanded.

Local groups and charities will be able to apply for community grant funding from a pot of £41,000.

There is also more money being ploughed into the year-round events programme which includes providing activities and entertainment.

All this will be funded by a precept of £738,875 precept which equates to an increase of £1.11 each month for a Band D household.

Mayor of Dawlish, Councillor Anthony James: 'This is a budget that backs our community groups, invests in green technology, improves safety, and enhances the experience of living and visiting Dawlish.

'We’re proud to deliver a balanced, responsible budget that brings benefits to all while keeping the precept affordable for residents.’

Meanwhile there is positive news for replacement lights along the Brook.

Damaged beyond repair several years ago during storms, the Brook has been without its illuminations.

The town council has confirmed it has been working with Environment Agency to ensure permissions are in place for when works start, which will likely be in June.