Lifeguards cost the council �140,000 a year

Last year North Devon Council decided it was unfair for council tax payers to pay for lifeguards on private beaches at Saunton, Croyde and Woolacombe.

Owners of Croyde and Woolacombe are talking to lifeguards Surfguard UK.

But Saunton owners Christie Estates say it is not responsible for the beach, and is not going to provide lifeguards.

Raymond Coldwell of Christie Estates said: "Lifeguards are an essential safety precaution and we cannot comprehend why this is is occurring at a place where the public have access.

"The beaches of north Devon bring in a lot of revenue to this part of the world and the council is undermining their viability."

North Devon District Council is aiming to cut the �140,000 a year it spends on beach lifeguards.