Beach sign warns of rising tide

The sign was erected on the advice of council insurers

A new sign on a Devon beach, which warns the public about the tide coming in, has been described as "ridiculous" by some local residents.

The road-sign style warning notice at Castle Cove in Dartmouth reads "Beware of incoming tide".

John Polley, who lives nearby, said the sign was "over-the-top" and looked ugly in what is a local beauty spot.

South Hams Council said it had erected the sign on the advice of its insurers and public safety was "paramount".

Mr Polley said he was out canoeing off Castle Cove when he first noticed the sign being put up on a bathing platform by workmen.

I told them it was ridiculous... I thought it was absolutely Monty Pythonesque John Polley, local resident

He said: "I rowed up and told them it was ridiculous. I thought it was absolutely Monty Pythonesque.

How about putting up some more signs like 'the sun is shining - you might get skin cancer' or 'the sea is cold - you might get hypothermia'."

Councillor Bill Hitchins from South Hams council said: "The council has a duty of care for public safety ...that obligation remains paramount.

"On the advice of the council's insurers, temporary warning signs which comply with safety sign regulations have been put up ...to alert people to the danger of being cut off by an incoming tide."

The council has said it plans to move the sign from the bathing platform to a site on the access path down to the cove.