THE town hall renewed their commitment to preserve the beauty of the Exe Estuary this week.

At the finance committee on Monday, town councillors reaffirmed their role in the Exe Estuary Management Partnership.

Town councillors signed up to a new agreement with Devon County Council, Teignbridge and East Devon District Council, RSPB, Natural England, the Environment Agency and Dawlish and Starcross Town Councils.

However, Exeter City Council withdrew from the partnership some time ago.

The partnership is vital to local tourism; the estuary is one of the main hot spots for holidaying birdwatchers while activities on the Exe are the main stay of many businesses who maintain a part of the town’s economy by providing equipment and courses for water sports like windsurfing and kite surfing.

The partnership also conducts educational trips for hundreds of children each year and organise the popular Exe Festival and the annual Exe clean up.

The agreement stated: “The parties each have an interest in the long-term prosperity, health, diversity, sustainable use and management of the Exe Estuary and have agreed to cooperate in implementing an annual action plan and to work partnership.”

“In signing up to this agreement the parties agree to participate in a spirit of cooperation, openness and understanding.”

Although it isn’t clear how much the town council would have to contribute, last year’s total annual funding for the partnership was �42,000.

At least half of that money is borne by contributions from Teignbridge and East Devon District Councils.