New bid in Parliament to 'save' Brixham's Breakwater Beach

Brixham MP Anthony Mangnall has called on the Government to protect the port's Brixham’s Breakwater Beach.

Mr Mangnall presented a public petition on the floor of the House of Commons, urging the Government to work with Torbay Council to ensure that Breakwater Beach is declared a Town and Village Green.

Signed by over 2,000 Brixham residents, the petition was created in response to a proposed hotel development on the beach which has sparked a backlash from some parts of the community.

A Town and Village Green is an area which is protected for local people to indulge in lawful sports and pastimes. Development on a Town and Village Green is restricted or even prevented, while it becomes an offence to disturb or interfere with enjoyment of the area.

Mr Mangnall's office said the petition, organised by Robin and Dr Rebecca Hooker, allowed Brixham residents to show their strength of feeling and register their support for the campaign.

Speaking in Parliament as he presented the petition, Mr Mangnall said:" I am pleased to be able to present a petition to Parliament calling for the Protection of Breakwater Beach in Brixham. This petition has been organised and assembled by Robin and Rebecca Hooker who have drawn together over 2,000 signatures calling for Town and Village Green status to be awarded to Breakwater beach.

"Such status would protect the beach from development as well an ensure that an important part of South Devon’s coastline can be protected for future generations. I am grateful to all those who have signed this petition and I am honoured to present our petition to Parliament.”

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities will now consider the content of the petition and provide a formal response in due course.

Mr Mangnall said: “Breakwater Beach is a beautiful public space which must be protected from development so that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it. I hope the Government will take on board the strength of feeling on this issue and act accordingly, working with Torbay Council to protect the beach.

"Credit for this campaign must go to Robin and Rebecca Hooker for their extraordinary work in helping to gather signatures and invigorating the Brixham community to register their concern on this petition.

Thank you to all those Brixham residents who took the time to sign this petition.”

Robin and Dr Rebecca Hooker travelled to Westminster to watch Mr Mangnall present the petition in the House of Commons and said afterwards: "It was fantastic to see history being made through a centuries old process in the House of Commons. People power has certainly prevailed with our Breakwater Beach petition being presented by our MP Anthony Mangnall, recommending it be a Town and Village Green for future generations. None of this could have happened without the initial idea from Francis Robinson, and the 2,000 residents to came out to sign in person.

"There were many people running around tirelessly gathering signatures in the pubs, clubs, shops, restaurants and streets of Brixham, as well as on the Breakwater itself. Great fight Brixham!”