Storm Ingrid leaves lasting damage at Teignmouth Pier as clean-up continues

A major clean-up is continuing along the South Devon coast after Storm Ingrid caused significant damage to Teignmouth Pier, washing away part of the historic structure and leaving the community facing an uncertain future for one of its most recognisable landmarks.

Powerful waves and heavy rain battered coastal towns and villages over the weekend, with Teignmouth among the worst affected. Part of the pier, which first opened in 1867, was destroyed during the storm, leaving visible gaps in the structure.

Teignmouth mayor Councillor Cate Williams said it was “sad” to see the damage, adding that the pier had already been in poor condition before the storm hit.

She told Sky News: “It goes out for a bit and then effectively there is a portion of it that has just washed away, dissolved, and then you have another little bit of the structure that is still standing.

“It’s an old pier and it was needing some attention. Age and wear and tear has taken its toll, but it has survived many weather conditions as well as world wars. It’s sad when you look at it now to see some of it missing.”

Councillor Williams said the pier, which is privately owned by the same family for generations, is a focal point for the town.

“The arcade aspect to it, the games, are used by residents and visitors of all ages, so it’s a really important feature,” she said. “As we know at seaside resorts, those with piers are very few and far between, so the fact we have it here is something that we appreciate and enjoy.”

She added that councillors do not have the power to carry out immediate repairs as the pier is privately owned.

Storm Ingrid also caused disruption elsewhere across Devon and Cornwall, including damage to the sea wall at Dawlish, where sections collapsed next to the main railway line. 

The Met Office has since issued a yellow weather warning for rain covering much of the South West from 6pm on Monday until 2pm on Tuesday, with further disruption possible.

The images in this gallery capture the aftermath of the storm at Teignmouth Pier.

Images courtesy of Teignmouth Artist Amanda Lyon-Smith, a Torbay-based painter known for her coastal scenes and pier studies. She undertakes commissions and is a member of the Torbay Artists’ Guild.

More of her work can be found on Facebook at Teignmouth Artist Amanda Lyon-Smith and at www.AmandaLyon-Smith.com .