April 2012 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

March 2012 news archive
February 2012 news archive
January 2012 news archive

Man air-lifted after crash in Berrow
A motorist has been air-lifted to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries following an accident in Berrow this morning (Monday). A man in his 50s was taken by air ambulance to Weston General Hospital after his car, towing a caravan, crashed into a wall in Barton Road at 9.30am. More...

Runner Richard raises £1,800
BURNHAM-On-Sea runner Richard Thomas has raised over £1,800 for charity by completing last week's London Marathon. Richard completed the course in four hours, forty seven minutes and ten seconds and sponsorship for the National Blind Childrens’ Society. More...

£55k bill after storm damage
FALLING trees caused up to £55,000 of damage to static caravans at a holiday park in Brean during yesterday's 65mph gales. Several caravans were seriously damaged when large trees, weakened by heavy rain, tumbled onto them. While fortunately no-one was inside them at the time, the bill for the owners will likely be in the region of £55,000. More...

Town artist's work to travel far
BURNHAM-On-Sea artist Cora Stock has completed work on making 60 very special plates that will be travelling to 27 countries across Europe. The plates, which commemorate the European year of volunteering, have this week been handed over to the organisation. More...

Marrow growing contest starts
CHILDREN in the Burnham-On-Sea area have been invited to enter a marrow growing competition at a Brent Knoll garden centre. Sanders Garden World will be giving away marrow plants, while stocks last, to youngsters to take home and grow - then return in the autumn. More...

Athletes battle severe weather
DOZENS of athletes braved gale-force winds and heavy rain to take part in Burnham-On-Sea's spring triathlon on Sunday (April 29th), which partially went ahead despite the horrendous conditions. The severe weather led to the organisers cancelling the cycling stage of the event. More...

Pedal power raises £1,300!
A FUNDRAISING night of pedal-powered horse racing raised more than £1,300 for a wind farm protest group near Burnham-On-Sea on Friday (April 27th). Nearly 100 people gathered in Mark Village Hall to support the NoPilrow campaign, opposed to a wind farm. More...

Gales peel away garage's roof
GALES force winds caused the closure of this petrol station near Burnham-On-Sea today (Sunday, April 29th) after part of its metal roof started to peel away in the storm. Fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea were called to the BP garage in Lympsham on the A370. More...

65mph gales hit Burnham-On-Sea
In Photos: HEAVY rain and gale-force winds are sweeping through the Burnham-On-Sea area today (Sunday, April 29th), causing road closures and damage. Stoddens Lane was closed after the tree pictured above was blown down just after 7am in the 65mph gusts. More...

Missing teen found safe and well
A VULNERABLE missing teenager who prompted a police appeal in the Burnham-On-Sea area on Saturday (April 28th) has been found safe and well. Jack Thompson, 19, had been reported missing since around 3am on Friday when he left his home, but was later found. More...

MP opens town glazing firm
BURNHAM and Highbridge MP Tessa Munt was the special guest at the opening of a new glazing firm in Highbridge on Friday (April 27th). The M5 Glass Centre has opened on the town's Walrow Industrial Estate, replacing a company that went into liquidation last year. More...

Burnham Beer Festival planned
BURNHAM-On-Sea is set to hold a three-day beer festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Organisers of the Burnham-On-Sea Beer Festival, which will be held at the Ritz Social Club in Victoria Street, hope it will attract devotees of real ale from across the area. More...

Weather warning issued
A WAVE of heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to hit the Burnham-On-Sea area during the first half of Sunday (April 29th), prompting the Met Office to issue a severe weather warning. The yellow warning is valid until midnight on Sunday evening ahead of the expected bad weather. More...

Police appeal over missing man
POLICE have today (Saturday) appealed for the public's help in finding a vulnerable missing teenager who has been seen in the Burnham-On-Sea area. Jack Thompson, aged 19, was last seen at around 3am yesterday morning (Friday April 27th) when he left his home in the Croxley area, near Wells. More...

Dozens head to town triathlon
DOZENS of athletes from across the region will be converging on Burnham-On-Sea tomorrow (Sunday, April 29th) when the town holds its annual spring triathlon. Organised by Burnham-On-Sea Swim and Sports Academy, the SuperSprint Triathlon will be held from 7am. More...

Pensioner 'died of hypothermia'
A PENSIONER who was found dead by railway tracks near Highbridge is likely to have died from hypothermia, an inquest was told this week. The body of Edith Joan Batten, 79, was found on October 25th last year at Dunball foot crossing, two days after leaving her home in Highbridge's Dunstan Road. More...

Salon to hold charity open day
A BURNHAM-On-Sea beauty salon is celebrating its first anniversary with a special charity open day on Saturday (28th April). Belle Vie Beauty in Abingdon Street's celebrations will be held from 10am-5pm when it will be offering mini beauty treatments. More...

95-home plans draw objections
Exclusive: FRESH concerns were raised over plans to turn this riverside boatyard in Highbridge into a development of 95 new homes during a heated town council meeting last night (Thursday). Councillors raised fears about access and the type of properties. More...

Rugby side celebrates victory!
BURNHAM'S Under 12s rugby team showed great character and spirit this week by winning a tough tournament in tremendous style. After disappointment at the recent Wells Tournament, the team bounced back by winning the Hornets Tournament against teams. More...

£2,000 boost for local groups
MORE than £2,000 was handed out to local good causes by members of Burnham-On-Sea's Moose Lodge on Thursday evening (April 26th). After a year of fundraising activities, the group held its annual presentation night in Berrow Village Hall where many groups received donations. More...

Jubilee record bid countdown
THE countdown to Jubilee Celebrations in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge on Saturday June 2nd is underway, with a youth parade and a world record sandcastle building bid being planned. The day will start with a youth parade from Highbridge's Apex Park. More...

Mary Portas bid decision in May
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Town Team hopes to find out in late May whether their bid for a £1m share of Mary Portas funding to regenerate the town centre has been successful. Burnham's bid, which was submitted last month, outlines how £99,000 of funding would be spent. More...

In photos: Water Minister's visit
WATER Minister Richard Benyon MP this week visited the Burnham-On-Sea area to see work being undertaken by the Somerset Drainage Boards to manage water in Somerset's wetlands. The MP was shown around several parts of Sedgemoor on Tuesday (April 24th). More...

Jubilee Fun Day plans unveiled
A HUGE Jubilee Family Fun Day is set to take place in Burnham-On-Sea on June 4th. The free event, which will be held on the playing fields next to the Burnham Area Youth Centre in Cassis Close, will feature live music from local musicians and choirs plus fun races, bouncy castles and a craft tent. More...

Guides planning 15,000ft leap!
TWO brave Guides from Burnham-On-Sea are planning to leap out of a plane at 15,000ft to raise funds for a trip to Mexico. Berrow Guides Beth Lavis and Vicky Simmons, pictured, will be doing the tandem jump on May 13th at Dunkeswell Airfield, near Honiton in Devon. More...

Bank supports local cricket club
HUNTSPILL and District Cricket Club has this week celebrated the start of a new season with a welcome donation from Natwest Bank. The bank is a supporter of grassroots cricket across the UK and picked Huntspill as its focus club for a 'Natwest Cricketforce Weekend'. More...

Stolen church crosses recovered
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have recovered two brass crosses from the bottom of a pond after they were stolen from a church in the town earlier this month. The ornate crosses were removed from St Andrew's Church during the past fortnight and were recovered by officers on Wednesday. More...

£50,000 to fight wind farm appeal
Exclusive: A group of campaigners says it expects to have to raise up to £50,000 to fight a formal appeal by EDF and Ecotricity following yesterday's rejection of their huge wind farm plans near Burnham-On-Sea. Sedgemoor's Development Control Committee refused applications by Ecotricity and EDF. More...

Gales warning issued for area
WEATHER forecasters have warned residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area to expect more heavy rain and potentially damaging winds today (Wednesday). The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the area as a band of heavy rain and gales move across the region. More...

Have you seen stolen lion?
PUZZLED staff at a pub near Burnham-On-Sea have this week issued an appeal for the return of this wood carving of a lion, which was stolen at the weekend. The ornate seven inch wide carving was removed from a fireplace in the bar of the Watchfield Inn at the weekend. More...

Shoppers dig deep for Marines
A CHARITY collection at a Burnham-On-Sea supermarket has this week raised hundreds of pounds for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust. Four members of the Bridgwater Royal Marines Association collected £979 at Morrisons supermarket in Pier Street, Burnham. More...

Jailed for five and a half years
A MAN was jailed for five-and-a-half years on Tuesday (April 24th) for cutting the throat of a Highbridge father, narrowly missing his vocal chords. Jamie Edney, 36, (pictured right) was convicted on Tuesday of grievous bodily harm with intent to wound. More...

Wind farm plans rejected
Controversial plans to build a wind farm comprising nine new turbines near Burnham-On-Sea were thrown out by district councillors today (Tuesday). More than 120 people crowded into the Princess Theatre in Burnham for a special meeting of Sedgemoor's development control. More...

Community garden unveiled
BURNHAM-On-Sea Dreamscheme has struck a deal with the owners of an area of overgrown land to transform it into a new community garden. Royal Mail is lending Burnham Dreamscheme a strip of land adjacent to the post sorting office in Kingsley Road. More...

£100k investment at new firm
A NEW glazing firm opens in Highbridge this week in place of a firm that went into liquidation last year. The assets and building of Hill Leigh Glazing on the Walrow Industrial Estate have been purchased by new firm M5 Glass Centre, which has invested £100,000. More...

Leah's delight at Royal letter
A ST John Ambulance Badger from Highbridge has spoken of her delight at receiving a letter from the Queen thanking her for a Jubilee card she made. Leah Adams, 10, decided that she would produce the special greeting card as part of her Creative Badger activities. More...

Town Team to hold meeting
BURNHAM-On-Sea's town team - who put together a bid for £1m of Mary Portas funding - will hold a public meeting in the town on Tuesday evening (April 24th).The meeting will be held at 6pm at Burnham Football Club in Cassis Close when all will be welcome to attend. More...

Man held after Superdrug raid
Exclusive: A man has been arrested following a break-in at Burnham-On-Sea's Superdrug store in the early hours of Monday. Police were called to the High Street business on Monday morning after a front window of the property was smashed to gain entry to the shop. More...

Man arrested after foot chase
Exclusive: A MAN has been arrested by police in Highbridge following a foot chase through the town centre. Officers were called to Grange Avenue at around 7pm on Friday evening (April 20th) after police became suspicious of the man, who gave chase. More...

Flats rejection is overturned
Exclusive: THE Planning Inspectorate has this week overturned a council decision that rejected the creation of a new development of 11 flats in Burnham-On-Sea. The inspectorate has given a controversial green-light to Newton Lodge in Berrow Road to be extended into a complex of 11 self contained-flats. More...

Charity 'in the pink' in Berrow!
BURNHAM'S MP and Mayor were among a crowd of people who attended a special shopping event in Berrow on Sunday (April 22nd) to raise funds for a local cancer charity. A stream of visitors supported 'Shop For A Cure' in aid of Somerset Breakthrough Breast Cancer. More...

Pier boss starts 170-car display
MORE than 170 classic cars took part in a fundraising vintage vehicle run through the Burnham-On-Sea area on Sunday (April 22nd). The Brimar Vintage and Classic Car Run was held in aid of Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) and started at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World. More...

Visitors flock to photo exhibition
THE work of more than 20 Burnham-On-Sea photographers went on show at an exhibition in the town on Sunday (April 22nd). Burnham-On-Sea Camera Club held its fourth annual exhibition, where visitors were able to browse over dozens of eye-catching shots. More...

Police issue appeal after car fire
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have issued an appeal for information after a burnt-out car was found in a quiet lane outside East Huntspill this morning (Sunday, April 22nd). Firefighters from Burnham were sent to Long Moor Drove in East Huntspill at 11.19am. The crew discovered a burnt-out Rover 75. More...

Baby owls rescued by carers
THIS pair of tiny baby owlets are lucky to be alive after having to be rescued by wildlife carers from the Burnham-On-Sea area. The little tawny owls, named Cheddar and Cheese by carers from Secret World, were found at the base of a tree by a woman enjoying a walk with her two daughters. More...

New charity shop for Burnham
A SOMERSET-based animal rescue centre opened a brand new charity shop in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (April 21st). The National Animal Welfare Trust (NAWT) has opened in Regent Street to raise money for the care and re-homing of needy animals. More...

Hinkley expansion in jeopardy?
PLANS to expand Hinkley Point nuclear power station near Burnham-On-Sea have been thrown into doubt, according to a report in the Financial Times. The paper says that power company Centrica, which owns British Gas, is threatening to abandon its investment. More...

Police investigate car crash
POLICE were called to a Highbridge roundabout in the early hours of this morning (April 21st) following an accident. A car overturned at the Isleport roundabout on the A38 Bristol Road shortly before 2am. The vehicle was left with significant damage. More...

Sea water quality in spotlight
THE failure of Burnham-On-Sea, Brean and Berrow's sea water in meeting strict new European water quality standards will be in the spotlight when the Environment Agency holds a special event in the town next month. Last year, Burnham failed to meet the new EU standard after passing the EU test in 2010. More...

Gymnasts celebrate 34 medals
YOUNG gymnasts from Burnham-On-Sea's Monarchs Club have been celebrating success after competing in the South West Schools Acrobatic Gymnastics Championships. Almost the entire club took part in the event and returned with 34 medals between them. More...

Busy route to close in town
A MAIN road through Highbridge will be shut on several evenings during May while major roadworks go ahead. Somerset County Council has this week announced that Church Street will be closed from May 14th-23rd from 6.30pm-11.30pm while resurfacing work is undertaken. More...

Photo exhibition this Sunday
THE work of scores of Burnham-On-Sea photographers will go on show at an exhibition in the town this Sunday (April 22nd). Burnham-On-Sea Camera Club is holding its fourth annual exhibition, where visitors will be able to browse a selection of images taken by members. More...

Concert for wildlife charity
A FUNDRAISING concert and fun day is to be held in Berrow on Saturday (April 21st) to raise money for East Huntspill's wildlife charity Secret World. A day of entertainment and music will be held at the Berrow Inn from 2pm, including live music from local group Trramp. More...

Cement mixer overturns on A38
THE driver of this cement mixer was lucky to escape without injuries after an accident near Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday (April 19th). Fire, police and ambulance crews rushed to East Brent at 2.15pm after the cement mixer overturned on the A38 Bristol Road. More...

'Shop for a Cure' this Sunday
A FUNDRAISING shopping event will be held in Berrow this Sunday (April 22nd) in aid of local charity Somerset Breakthrough Breast Cancer. The 'Shop For A Cure' event will be held in Berrow Village Hall from 10.30am until 3pm when all will be welcome. Entrance will be free of charge. More...

Power cut to over 100 homes
MORE than 100 people were without power near Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday afternoon (April 19th) after an overhead electricity line was cut. Police from Burnham were called to Pound Road in Pawlett at 2.45pm after a passing vehicle struck the line, damaging it. More...

£600 boost for Jubilee Wall
SEDGEMOOR District Council has this week handed a £600 boost to Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club's project to build a special wall to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee. The council has announced that cash is to be given to several groups across the district. More...

Snooker star's son robbed
Exclusive: A FORMER world snooker champion had an unfortunate stay in Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend when his son became a victim of crime in the town. Mark Williams MBE, who has been world snooker champion twice, in 2000 and 2003, stayed at a holiday park. More...

Wind farm plans set for approval
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build nine wind turbines on farmland near Burnham-On-Sea look set to be approved by Sedgemoor District Council next week. Despite 550 complaints from residents, the council's planning officer has recommended that the contentious schemes be granted permission. More...

Shop contest winners named
THE winners of Burnham-On-Sea's annual shop window competition have been announced, after attracting more than 130 entries. The annual 'Spot the Odd Item in the Shop Window Competition', run by Burnham's Chamber of Trade, ran for a fortnight over Easter. More...

Man arrested after town fight
A MAN has been arrested by Burnham police following an early morning fight in the centre of Highbridge this week. Officers from Burnham Police were called to a brawl involving several people in the town's Church Street during the early hours of Sunday morning (April 15th). More...

170 classic cars head to rally
OVER 170 classic cars will be taking part in a fundraising vintage vehicle run through the Burnham-On-Sea area this Sunday (April 22nd). The Brimar Vintage and Classic Car Run will start at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll and is being held to raise charity money. More...

Town pulls out of Bloom contest
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea has pulled out of this year's Britain In Bloom competition amid concerns about the safety of lighting columns along the town's High Street. It means colourful hanging baskets like these will not be hung from lamp posts along the town's High Street this summer. More...

Film screened at London event
TWO young filmmakers from Burnham-On-Sea whose production was screened at the London Independent Film Festival earlier this week have described the experience as "magical". Jessie Hawkes and Jake Hodge travelled to see their short film shown on a big screen. More...

Skier thanks crew for rescue
A WATER skier who was briefly knocked unconscious after a fall during Sunday's water skiing event in Burnham-On-Sea has thanked the lifeboat crew who rescued him. Jack Lynch, from Hunstanton in Norfolk, came off his skis at high speed during Sunday's racing. More...

Pop group S Club play in Brean
THREE members of the chart-topping band S Club entertained a big crowd of holidaymakers in Brean on Saturday night (April 14th). Jo, Bradley and Paul were on top form, belting out many of their chart topping hits from the last decade at Brean's Holiday Resort Unity. More...

Barrage islands plan unveiled
Exclusive: THE developer behind plans to build a Severn Barrage between Brean Down and Wales says he has begun discussions with Sedgemoor District Council over proposals to create a dozen new islands around the structure when it is built in the Bristol Channel. More...

Pontin's sorry for price 'glitch'
BREAN holiday park operator Pontin's has this week issued an apology to customers who were affected by a 'computer glitch' which caused holidays to be sold online at cut-price rates - only to be later withdrawn. The Mirror reported that around 20 families were affected. More...

New cancer support group starts
A NEW cancer support group is to launch in Burnham-On-Sea next week. Burnham resident Gaynor Brown, pictured, is to hold weekly sessions of the "friendly and supportive" group each week from Monday morning, 23rd April, at Burnham Community Centre in Berrow Road. More...

Highbridge Town in Cup victory
FOOTBALLERS from Highbridge Town FC had plenty of reason to celebrate on Saturday (April 14th) when they beat Sampford Blues to win the Rowbarton Charity Cup. Highbridge fought back from 2-0 down to beat Sampford 4-2 in the final of the cup at Fairfax Park in Bridgwater. More...

May Day celebration announced
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens will be hosting a May Day celebration with a Royal theme when a king and queen are appointed! The traditional May Day celebration will take place on Monday 7th May from 1-3.30pm and will be open to all local people. More...

Council leader stands down
THE leader of Somerset County Council announced on Monday (April 16th) that he is standing down in order to run for office to become the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner. Ken Maddock, pictured, has held the role of Leader since the 2009 local elections. More...

Water firm urges 'sensible use'
RESIDENTS in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week been urged to 'be sensible with their water usage' by the firm that supplies tap water to the town as drought conditions worsen. The advice from Bristol Water comes after Somerset was added to a list of official drought zones by the Environment Agency. More...

Work begins on Jubilee Wall
THIRTY young members of Burnham-On-Sea Dreamscheme have designed and made more than 90 tiles which are to appear on a special wall being built in the town to mark this year's Queen's Diamond Jubilee. David Lemon of Haven Pottery taught the youngsters. More...

Active Living Centre to open
A NEW Active Living Centre for residents aged over 50 is set to open in Highbridge today (Monday, April 16th). The facility, provided by Sedgemoor Community Partnership, will be available at Highbridge's Morland Hall in Pearce Drive and will be held on a regular basis. More...

Dog owners join mutt strutt!
DOG walkers from across the Burnham-On-Sea area joined a sponsored 'mutt strutt' in Highbridge's Apex Park on Sunday afternoon (April 15th). The 2.5 mile walk was held in aid of the RSPCA and is expected to have raised hundreds of pounds for the charity. More...

Crowds flock to water ski event
SOME of Europe's leading water skiers were welcomed to Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday when the town hosted an international water skiing competition. Dozens of skiers competed in three hours of racing that may lead to a round of the European Water Skiing Championships being held in Burnham. More...

Two-car accident on seafront
A TWO-car collision briefly blocked part of Burnham-On-Sea's seafront on Sunday morning (April 15th). Police were called to the busy junction of The Esplanade and Pier Street following the accident. An ambulance was called and several occupants were treated for shock. More...

In photos: U3A 20th anniversary
BURNHAM-On-Sea U3A celebrated its 20th anniversary on Saturday (April 14th) with a celebratory open day in the town's Community Centre. Dozens of residents visited the event, which included an exhibition of activities and the unveiling of a wall hanging. More...

76,000 at BIARS in a year!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront information centre received almost 76,000 visitors during its first year under new management, it was revealed on Saturday (April 14th) as its volunteers celebrated the centre's first anniversary. Community group BIARS took over the centre a year ago from Sedgemoor District Council. More...

Town marks Gardening Week
HUNDREDS of seeds were planted besides a Highbridge roundabout on Saturday (April 14th) when the town's Mayor joined local groups at a special planting session to celebrate National Gardening Week. Free wildflower meadow seeds have been given to the town. More...

Fire at M5 Sedgemoor Services
FIRE crews were called to a blaze at Sedgemoor Services on the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea this morning (Saturday). Two crews from Burnham-On-Sea and one from Bridgwater rushed to the scene at 6.05am after reports of a fire in a commercial kitchen area. More...

Wind farm photos 'misleading'
ANGRY campaigners fighting a proposed wind farm on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea say new images released by the developer are "misleading and unrepresentative". Energy firm Broadview wants to build four 130-metre tall wind turbines on land at Pilrow Farm south of Rooksbridge. More...

Dog walkers join 'mutt strutt'
DOG walkers are being invited to take part in a 'sponsored mutt strutt' in Highbridge's Apex Park on Sunday afternoon (April 15th). The 2.5 mile walk will be held in aid of the RSPCA, with registration starting from 2pm and the walk itself beginning at 2.30pm. More...

TIC celebrates first birthday
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront information centre will celebrate its first anniversary on Saturday (April 14th). Community group BIARS (Burnham Information and Rescue Support) took over the centre a year ago from Sedgemoor District Council, saving it from closure. More...

Town explosives man jailed
A Burnham-On-Sea man has today (Friday) been sentenced for making explosives in a shed at his home in the town. Phillip Leonard, 35, pleaded guilty to four counts of making explosives when he appeared at Taunton Crown Court in February and today he was sentenced to two years in prison for each offence. More...

Top water ski action on Sunday
SOME of Europe's leading water skiers will be in action in Burnham-On-Sea this weekend when the town hosts its first international water skiing competition. Dozens of skiers will be competing in three hours of racing during Sunday afternoon, April 15th. More...

Comedy farce to be performed
WEST Huntspill Players will be stepping back in time later this month when they perform the comedy farce 'See How they Run'. The three-act play is set in a rural village in 1944 and includes hilarious performances by a bishop, vicar, actress and a prisoner of war! More...

New owner for Burnham shop
A LONG-running greetings cards shop in Burnham-On-Sea is under new ownership. Weston couple John and Karen Lyons have taken over Sentiments in the High Street. Former owners Tim and Sue Potts had run the shop for 25 years and have moved onto a new venture. More...

Explosives man to be charged
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man is due to be sentenced in Taunton today (Friday) after pleading guilty to possessing dangerous explosives. Thirty people had to be evacuated from their houses in Burnham in January after Phillip Leonard's home in Beatty Way was raided by police. More...

Town Comedy Night tomorrow
FINAL tickets are on sale for a comedy night at Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre. The evening of comedy will be held this Saturday (14th April) and will feature a compere and three comedians. Gary Coleman, Taylor Glenn and Yianni Agisilaou will all perform. More...

Farewell to the 'three-faced liar'
HIGHBRIDGE'S historic town clock - known as the 'three-faced liar' because its three clock faces rarely told the same time - was demolished this morning (Thursday) to make way for a new one. The familiar landmark was taken down by workmen in a delicate operation that started at 10am. More...

Town U3A to celebrate 20 years
BURNHAM-On-Sea U3A will celebrate its 20th anniversary this Saturday (April 14th) by holding an open day in the town's Community Centre. The event in Berrow Road will be open to the public from 10am until 2.30pm when an exhibition of the group's activities will be held as part of the celebrations. More...

Brean fireworks this Saturday
THE skies above Brean will be lit up with a free fireworks display this Saturday (April 14th) when Brean Leisure Park holds its first display of the year. While there will be no admittance charge, there will be collections on the night for several Burnham charities, including Burnham's Sea Cadets. More...

Man in court over images
A HIGHBRIDGE man has appeared in court accused of having thousands of indecent images of children and extreme pornography. William Blake-Moore, 62, allegedly possessed almost 2,500 indecent pictures of children, including still images and movies in Plymouth. More...

Man injured in M5 accident
AN accident on the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea caused rush-hour delays on Wednesday evening (April 11th). Two fire engines from Burnham were sent to the crash between junction 22 at Burnham and junction 23 at Bridgwater North shortly at 4.15pm. More...

Carnival saved by new volunteers
THE future of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's annual carnival appears to be safe again after dozens of new volunteers came forward this evening (Wednesday, April 11th) following a desperate appeal for helpers. More than 50 people attended the AGM of the Carnival Association at the Ritz Club. More...

Explosions heard at Brean fire
EXPLOSIONS were heard in Brean last night (Tuesday, April 10th) after a blaze set a gas cylinder alight. Two Burnham-On-Sea fire crews rushed to a caravan park in the village at 10.52pm after a trailer tent was reported on fire, which was tackled with a hose reel jet. More...

Carnival 'crisis' meeting tonight
ORGANISERS of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's annual carnival are hoping for a good turnout at their AGM tonight (Wednesday, April 11th) after warning that the event is in 'crisis' due to a lack of volunteers. The organisers have distributed thousands of leaflets across the area in recent weeks. More...

£90,000 hall extension starts
A £90,000 project to extend Brent Knoll Parish Hall has reached an important milestone this week with the start of building work. A special 'ground cutting ceremony' was held in the village on Tuesday (April 10th) when members of the Parish Hall Committee, Parish Council and building contractors came together. More...

Western group's £4k donation
A BURNHAM-On-Sea western re-enactment club has this week presented cheques worth £4,000 to two charities. Members of the Boots and Saddles Western Re-enactment and Living History Club handed £1,000 to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and £3,000 to Help For Heroes. More...

Birthday surprise for Elizabeth
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor was among the special guests at a pensioner's 90th birthday celebrations at the weekend. Elizabeth Johnson of Berrow Road was a long-serving Chairman of Wells Conservative Association and a fundraiser for Mcmillan Nurses in the town. More...

Horse rescued from ditch
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater have rescued a horse trapped in a water-filled ditch in Brent Knoll this evening (Tuesday, April 10th). A fire engine from Burnham and a special rescue team from Bridgwater were sent to the scene at 6.22pm to oversee the rescue. More...

Camera Club to hold exhibition
THE work of scores of Burnham-On-Sea photographers will go on show at an exhibition in the town on Sunday April 22nd. Burnham-On-Sea Camera Club has announced its fourth annual exhibition, where visitors will be able to browse a selection of eye-catching images taken by its members. More...

Paris marathon for Berrow man
A MAN from Berrow and two friends will be taking part in the Paris marathon this weekend in aid of a local charity. Rob Kilduff, 36, of Penmoor Road in Berrow, will be running along the Champs-Elysées on his first marathon with friends Stu Walker and Will Denyer this coming Sunday, April 15th. More...

Guides see music stars perform
AN excited group of 106 Guides from Berrow, Highbridge and Brent Knoll travelled to Birmingham's LG Arena on Saturday to see some of the UK's top music acts perform. Olly Murs, Alexandra Burke, The Saturdays and Rizzle Kicks were among the stars at the show in the West Midlands. More...

Council won't save bus service
A BUS service that runs between Highbridge and Burnham-On-Sea on Saturdays has been formally axed after the cash-strapped town council decided it would be too expensive to run. The 113 service was saved from Somerset County Council cuts to services. More...

£1,100 raised for town Folkfest
A TOTAL of £1,100 was raised for Burnham-On-Sea's FolkFest during an Easter Sunday music marathon. Crowds of supporters attended the event at the Old Pier Tavern in Pier Street, where a wide variety of acts played live on the stage throughout the course of the day. More...

MP welcomes new high sheriff
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has welcomed the appointment of Somerset's new High Sheriff during a ceremony in Wells Cathedral. Sylvana Chandler has succeeded John Cullum, who held the post for the previous year. The role is an independent, non political appointment. More...

Car bursts into flames on M5
Exclusive: A WALKER captured on his mobile phone the moment a car burst into flames on the hard shoulder of the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea on Easter Sunday. Two Burnham fire engines were called to the blazing vehicle, pictured here, which was on the southbound carriageway. More...

Three arrests after 'mass fight'
Exclusive: THREE people were arrested by Burnham-On-Sea police following a fight in the centre of the town on Sunday evening (April 8th). Police were called to Pier Street at around 10.30pm following reports of a disturbance in the area of the Somerset and Dorset pub and Tates bar. More...

Bikers roar through Highbridge
A LONG line of motorbikes roared through Highbridge on Sunday (April 8th) at the start of a fundraising bike run in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Over 20 Somerset Motorcycle Group members took part in the charity ride out from the town's Bristol Bridge Inn. More...

£500 raised at RNLI car wash
VEHICLES of all shapes and sizes were given a wash during Burnham-On-Sea RNLI's latest fundraising car wash on Saturday (April 7th). The event raised around £500 for the lifeboat charity, taking this year's total to £1,200 following an earlier car wash in January. More...

Warden saves life of attack victim
Exclusive: BREAN beachwarden Dave Furber has been praised for saving the life of a walker by reviving him with a defibrillator this evening (Easter Sunday) when he suffered a huge heart attack on the steps of Brean Down. The 47-year-old walker suffered the attack half way up the steps of the Down. More...

Easter Day parade held on seafront
A SYMBOLIC cross was carried along Burnham's seafront during a procession to mark Easter this morning (Sunday). Around 20 members of Burnham-On-Sea Community Church took part in the parade along The Esplanade between Morrisons supermarket and Marine Cove. More...

Jubilee beacon to be lit on Knoll
Exclusive: BRENT Knoll will be among 2,600 locations across the UK joining a nationwide chain of beacons to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee in June. Burnham and Highbridge Town Council had also hoped to light a beacon on the town's beach on 4th June, however a high tide means this will not be possible. More...

Shop window contest begins
BURNHAM-On-Sea's annual shop window competition is underway, with shoppers being challenged to find 'odd items' hidden in displays. The annual 'Spot the Odd Item in the Shop Window Competition', run by Burnham's Chamber of Trade, runs until Sunday April 15th. More...

Crowds flock to Easter fun day
Photo Special: CROWDS of families flocked to an Easter fun day in Burnham-On-Sea's Manor Gardens today (Saturday). The event, organised by Burnham Dreamscheme and Burnham Lions, attracted a steady flow of visitors over the course of four hours. A wide range of entertainment was laid on. More...

Anger over town graffiti vandals
Exclusive: AN angry Burnham-On-Sea cafe owner launched a clean-up operation today (Saturday) after a daylight graffiti attack in the centre of the town. Police have appealed for witnesses after orange paint was sprayed over pavements, an electricity sub-station and waste bin at 3.30pm. More...

Wind farm plans to be unveiled
Exclusive: CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build a new wind farm on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea are set to gather speed this month when a formal planning application for the scheme is submitted. Energy firm Broadview wants to build four 130-metre tall wind turbines, which would be as tall as Brent Knoll. More...

Family fun day in town today
A DAY of family fun will be held at Burnham-On-Sea Dreamscheme's Family Fun Day throughout today (Saturday, April 7th). The group is holding a 'Fab Funday' in the town's Manor Gardens from 11am-3pm featuring a wide range of activities and events. More...

Lifeboat car wash today
A POSTPONED car wash to raise money for Burnham-On-Sea RNLI will be held today (Saturday, April 7th). Volunteers from the lifeboat station in Burnham's Pier Street had to cancel the second of their charity car washes due to wintry weather during the cold snap in February. More...

Bike crash partially blocks A38
A MAIN road near Burnham-On-Sea was partially blocked this afternoon (Friday, April 6th) following an accident involving a motorbike. The A38 through Brent Knoll was partly blocked, as pictured here, after the accident occurred at around 4.30pm. Police and an ambulance were called. More...

Asbestos removed from hospital
Exclusive: ASBESTOS has been removed from the roof of Burnham-On-Sea's hospital over the past month during a major refurbishment of the property. The potentially hazardous material has been safely taken away during work to improve energy efficiency at Burnham-On-Sea War Memorial Hospital. More...

Burnham councillor in MP row
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea district councillor has called on Bridgwater's MP to consider stepping down after an alleged 'information breach'. Conservative MP Ian Liddell-Grainger posted a letter from a member of the public, showing his full address on the Internet. More...

Daycare centre is new nursery
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Thorndike Day Care Centre has become a new nursery. Hayley and Terry Azzopardi of 65 Thorndike Way in Burnham have worked hard over the past two years as childminders and have achieved their ambition of becoming a nursery. More...

Complete Easter events guide
THERE'S a busy weekend of entertainment lined up across the Burnham-On-Sea area this weekend. Our guide takes you through all the highlights, from an Easter egg hunt to live music and a fundraising badger weekend at a local wildlife centre plus claymaking workshops! More...

Comedy Night tickets on sale
TICKETS have gone on sale for a comedy night at Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre. The evening of comedy will be held on Saturday 14th April and will feature a compere and three comedians. Gary Coleman, Taylor Glenn and Yianni Agisilaou will all perform. More...

Top water ski event for town
Exclusive: MANY of Europe's leading water skiers will be in action in Burnham-On-Sea later this month when the town hosts its first international water skiing competition. Dozens of skiers will be competing in three hours of racing on Sunday April 15th that could lead to the European Cup being held in Burnham. More...

Seafront arcade goes 24 hours
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea amusement arcade has put in place new security measures after introducing 24 hour opening hours this week. Sunspot Amusements on Burnham's Esplanade is among several arcades across the UK to be open round-the-clock. More...

Easter Day Folkfest fundraiser
THE organisers of Burnham's FolkFest will be holding their traditional Easter Sunday fundraising music marathon this weekend. The event - which this year will be held at the Old Pier Tavern in Burnham's Pier Street - will see live music from 1pm until late. More...

Horse rescued by fire crews
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater rescued a horse stuck in a water-filled ditch in Lympsham on Wednesday (April 4th). A fire engine from Burnham, plus a specialist rescue team from Bridgwater, were sent to the incident in Lympsham shortly after 10am. More...

Clock to be demolished shortly
HIGHBRIDGE'S town clock is set to be demolished over the next few days to make way for a brand new one. Town Clerk Eileen Shaw confirmed this week that work to demolish the three-faced structure in the town's Jubilee Gardens is to begin shortly to make way for the new £20,000 four-faced clock. More...

Six arrested after vandalism
Exclusive: SIX people have been arrested following a spate of vandalism in Burnham-On-Sea which police have described as 'thoughtless'. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported on Monday that angry residents in Rosewood Avenue, Briar Close and Rosewood Drive face repair bills for thousands of pounds. More...

RNLI car wash this Saturday
A POSTPONED car wash to raise money for Burnham-On-Sea RNLI will be held this Saturday (April 7th). Volunteers from the lifeboat station in Pier Street had to cancel the second of their charity car washes due to wintry weather in February. It will take place from 10am this Saturday. More...

Easter Day procession planned
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea Community Church will be celebrating Easter Day with a procession along the town's seafront with a large cross this Sunday (April 8th). The church's morning celebration will be preceded by a walk with the cross from at 10am along the seafront. More...

Highbridge school wins contest
BUDDING young cricketers from Highbridge's Churchfield Primary School have won Huntspill and District Cricket Club's annual Primary School Indoor 6-a-side competition. The 10-week competition has been held at King Alfred Sports Centre and 50 boys and girls have taken part. More...

Ritz screens Portas bid video
A VIDEO which has been produced to promote Burnham-On-Sea's bid to win a share of £1million of Mary Portas regeneration funding is being screened at the town's Ritz Cinema over the Easter holidays. Burnham's bid was formally submitted last Friday and hopes are high that the town will do well. More...

Beach wardens start season
BEACH wardens are back on the beach at Berrow and Burnham-On-Sea for the Spring and Summer season. Last week, the Sedgemoor District Council wardens completed training on first aid at work, plus defibrillation and manual handling ahead of the new holiday season. More...

Resident on pet care charges
A BURNHAM-On-Sea woman has appeared before magistrates on charges that she failed to provide a suitable environment for animals in her home. Jennifer Parnell, 67, of The Esplanade appeared before magistrates on two counts of not providing veterinary care. More...

£10,000 boost for charities
TWO regional charities have this week been presented with more than £10,000 by members of a Burnham-On-Sea club. Childrens’ Hospice South West and Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance have received the bumper donation from Burnham's Moose Lodge. More...

Farmers market funding axed
Exclusive: TOWN councillors have this week axed funding for Burnham-On-Sea's farmers markets, putting the future of the monthly events in jeopardy despite a recent survey which showed public support for them. At a meeting on Monday (April 2nd), councillors voted in favour of removing all grant funding. More...

Calls for 'full pedestrianisation'
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea resident has this week called on town councillors to reconsider plans to fully pedestrianise the High Street in a bid to encourage more shoppers into the town. Tony Lynham, pictured, said the work should be funded using Tesco funding. More...

Sign up for Easter tennis camp
THERE are still places available for an Easter Holiday tennis camp taking place at Burnham-On-Sea's Avenue Tennis Club. The club's camp got underway this week with several new young faces and a couple of young players from the club's Mini Orange Academy Squad. More...

Town centre overhaul begins
Exclusive: NEW trees have been planted along Burnham-On-Sea's High Street this week during the first phase of a £186,000 project to give the town centre an uplift. We reported last month that Sedgemoor District Council had approved a list of improvements. More...

Vandals leave trail of damage
Exclusive: VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds of damage to garden walls in part of Burnham-On-Sea. Angry residents in Rosewood Avenue, Briar Close and Rosewood Drive say they face expensive repair bills after five walls were pushed over, as pictured here, during the past fortnight. More...

Alex completes 15,000ft jump
AN 18 year-old Highbridge leisure assistant who does not have a head for heights performed a 15,000ft skydive on Sunday (April 1st) to help raise funds for charity. Alex Crocker, who works at King Alfred’s Leisure Centre in Highbridge, carried out the jump. More...

Donkey leads Burnham parade
PALM Sunday was marked in Burnham-On-Sea with a special seafront procession of 70 people, led by a donkey. The congregation gathered outside St Andrew's Church for the procession, which started with prayers and a song in the churchyard. More...

Dozens attend Easter fair
OVER 200 people flocked to a Highbridge church's annual Easter fair on Saturday (March 31st). A wide range of stalls selling Easter-themed items, such as traditional cakes and biscuits, was set up in St John's Church Hall along with entertainment including raffles, face painting and refreshments. More...

Coastguard AGM held in town
COASTGUARDS from across the UK gathered in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (March 31st) for the annual general meeting of the national Coastguard Association. The 35th AGM was held at the Clarence Hotel on Burnham seafront and was attended by over 30. More...

140 complete Aquathlon
MORE than 140 people took part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual aquathlon on Sunday morning (April 1st). The popular event, which was organised by Burnham Swim and Sports Academy, comprised of a 500 metre swim at Burnham Pool followed by a 5km run along the beach and seafront. More...

Dreamscheme unveils new look
HIGHBRIDGE Dreamscheme relaunched for the summer season by unveiling its new logo during a day of fundraising fun on Saturday (March 31st). A good turnout of youngsters attended the event in Highbridge's Morland Hall when games and refreshments were laid on. More...

New fish and chip shop opens
A NEW-look fish and chip bar has this week opened its doors on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront. The re-launched Esplanade Fish Bar opened on Saturday morning (March 31st) after being given a complete revamp over the past few months in time for the start of the tourist season. More...

UFO mystery over Berrow
A WALKER has appealed for help in identifying a mystery object seen hovering in the sky above Berrow beach during the past week. Beach walker Ken May photographed the circular, black object several hundred metres over the sands near the Berrow beach car park. More...

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