Bench with a sea view you can’t see

IT is supposed to offer a panoramic view out to sea. But instead of a glorious vista of the South Devon coast, all that can be seen from this hilltop bench is an overgrown thicket of bushes, shrubs and weeds.

Tourists and ramblers sitting there used to be able to enjoy a view along the Dawlish Riviera to Exmouth and on a clear day could even see across Lyme Bay to Chesil Beach. Holidaymaker Paul Martin says the quiet beauty spot on the South West Coast Path in Babbacombe, Torquay, is now a little too secluded.

Mr Martin, 52, said: ‘I came across this rather uninspiring view whilst needing a rest during a stroll. Perhaps someone just needs to take a big pair of shears to it, as I’m sure there’s a nice view of the sea beyond the overgrowth.’

Where’s the coastline gone? A tourist finds weeds and bushes blocking her view What should be visible: The Babbacombe coast