August 2010 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

July 2010 news archive
June 2010 news archive
May 2010 news archive
April 2010 news archive
March 2010 news archive
February 2010 news archive
January 2010 news archive

Coastguard thanks rescuers
Exclusive: A COASTGUARD who was rescued by a Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat crew at the weekend when his boat suffered engine failure has thanked the crewmembers for coming to his aid. Dave Ilsley, a long-standing Burnham Coastguard, was one of several people onboard a 21ft yacht when it ran aground. More...

Land yacht endurance test
BREAN Land Yacht Club members are taking part in a 12-hour endurance event to raise money for two good causes this weekend. British Standart Champion Ron Frewin will be taking part in the overnight event, along with other Brean Land Yacht Club members. More...

Man hurt in Highbridge crash
A MAN suffered leg injuries after a two car collision in Highbridge on Tuesday afternoon (August 31st). During a busy afternoon for Burnham-On-Sea's emergency services, fire and ambulance crews were called to the 'minor' two car accident at the town's Viridor recycling centre. More...

Cash appeal launched for Bob
BURNHAM-On-Sea war veteran Harold Pursey, who refused to move into care unless his faithful dog could go too, has died peacefully at the age of 94 with his labrador Bob at his side. Mr Pursey, a retired butcher, was allowed to keep Bob with him when he moved. More...

Model rail show attracts crowd
CROWDS of model train enthusiasts from across the UK gathered in Burnham-On-Sea over the Bank Holiday weekend for a popular two-day exhibition. The 28th annual Sedgemoor Rail show, run by Burnham and District Model Railway Club, was held at King Alfred School. More...

Cadets join forces ceremony
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea's 290 Air Squadron have been taking part in the Polish Armed Forces Day to pay their respects to Polish servicemen who assisted the Allies during the Second World War. Members of 290 Sqn took part in the special ceremony in Weston Cemetary. More...

Woman cut free from crash
A WOMAN was cut free from this car and air-lifted to hospital following an accident at a busy roundabout in Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Tuesday, August 31st). A Ford Ka collided into the side of a double decker bus at 2pm at the busy roundabout next to the Total petrol station on Burnham Road. More...

Wild west fun in Brent Knoll!
COWBOYS visited a garden centre in Brent Knoll along with Native Americans and horses over the Bank Holiday Weekend to help raise funds for charity. A Wild West re-enactment took place at Sanders Garden World and proceeds from the event will be donated to charity. More...

Wild west fun in Brent Knoll!
COWBOYS visited a garden centre in Brent Knoll along with Native Americans and horses over the Bank Holiday Weekend to help raise funds for charity. A Wild West re-enactment took place at Sanders Garden World and proceeds from the event will be donated to charity. More...

£4,000 raised at hospital fete
Photo Special: OVER £4,000 was raised for the Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Hospital on Bank Holiday Monday (August 30th) when the group held its annual summer fete. The town's Manor Gardens were filled with throngs of people for an afternoon of entertainment. More...

Trio spark mudflats drama
THREE young people were led to safety on the mudflats at Brean by Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards this evening (Monday, August 30th) after briefly getting into difficulty. Coastguards called out Burnham's BARB rescue hovercrafts, two lifeboats and a helicopter at 7.15pm after a beach warden reported concern for the trio on the water's edge several hundred metres. More...

Bed push fundraisers in town
A GROUP of hardy fundraisers took part in a sponsored bed push from Burnham-On-Sea on Monday (August 30th) to raise money for a local charity. The St Margaret's Hospice team started from Burnham-On-Sea Pier mid-morning, as pictured here, and finished at Chilton Polden. More...

It must be a Bank Holiday!
Exclusive: ONE of Burnham-On-Sea's familiar Bank Holiday sights was repeated on Monday afternoon (August 30th) when the owner of this van needed a few helping hands. His vehicle got into difficulty on Burnham beach next to the town's jetty as its owner attempted to retrieve a jet ski, as pictured here. More...

In photos: Town street party
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised for Burnham-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club when a town centre pub held a popular outdoor street party on Sunday (August 29th). Big crowds flocked to the event outside the Somerset and Dorset, which featured live music and stalls. More...

Driver cut free from accident
A MOTORIST had to be cut free from his car after a two-car accident on the A38 near Burnham-On-Sea late on Sunday night (August 29th). Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the junction of Harp Road and the A38, next to the Fox and Goose Hotel, as pictured here. More...

Sun shines on Berrow fete
Photo Special: BIG crowds flocked to a Berrow church's annual summer fete on Saturday afternoon (August 27th). Bright summer sunshine brought out large numbers of supporters of St Mary's Church, as it laid on a range of traditional games, entertainment and stalls for the popular event. More...

Fire crews called to explosion
Exclusive Photos: FIRE crews believe a leaking gas cylinder caused an explosion which dramatically destroyed a caravan near Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday evening (August 28th). Firefighters were called to a camp site at Dutch Cottage in Dutch Road, Mark, at 5.5pm after the caravan exploded. More...

RNLI rescues grounded yacht
A BURNHAM-On-Sea lifeboat was called to help a grounded yacht in the River Brue on Sunday morning (August 28th). A 21ft yacht which was sailing into the river was spotted having difficulty sailing in the force four north easterly winds and had run aground on the banks of the river. More...

Brean walk named in top ten
THE circular walk around the top of Brean Down has this week been named as one of the UK's top ten walks by a national newspaper. The Guardian has been running a series of feature articles about the country's best places for hikers to pull on their walking boots. More...

Cycle race halted by mud drama
Exclusive: The sticky nature of Burnham-On-Sea's soft sand and mud caught out this unlucky cyclist during the latest stage of a Round Britain challenge on Saturday morning (August 28th). Almost 30 cyclists sped their way along the town's beach from Berrow during the Somerset leg of The Great Tour. More...

MP joins harvest festivities
Photo Special: BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP was among hundreds of people taking part in the festivities at the annual East Brent Harvest Home on Friday (August 27th). Tessa Munt was among the women ceremonially carrying a pudding to the event to start the day-long celebration. More...

Illuminated yachts go on show
A COLOURFUL illuminated procession of yachts took place in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (August 27th). A dozen members of the town's Sailing Club took to the sea in a flotilla of boats decorated with electric lights. They set sail from the Yacht Club at around 9.20pm, earlier than planned. More...

Two arrests after drugs raid
Exclusive: A 49-year-old man has been arrested in Burnham-On-Sea following a drugs raid late on Wednesday night (August 25th). Officers swooped on an address in Abingdon Street, as pictured here, and arrested the man and a 34 year-old woman. Police were involved in a cross-border operation. More...

Art society show this weekend
A THREE-day exhibition of arts and crafts from sixteen local artists is set to be held in Burnham-On-Sea over the Bank Holiday weekend. Sedgemoor Arts Society is holding the art show in the town's Community Centre in Berrow Road from Saturday to Monday inclusive. More...

Civic Pride plans to be unveiled
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's long-awaited town centre regeneration project will take a step forward next month when the latest proposals are due to be unveiled. Sedgemoor District Council's Corporate Scrutiny Committee will meet on September 6th to consider the proposals. More...

David's tattoo to boost charity
Exclusive: A FORMER solider from Burnham-On-Sea is hoping to raise more than £1,000 for Help For Heroes by having the charity's logo tattooed onto his back. David Keatley is holding a sponsored tattoo at Burnham's Inked Images tattoo shop in College Street. More...

Fireworks barge plan approved
Exclusive: BURNHAM'S annual seafront fireworks display will cost an extra £2,500 to stage this year following a decision by town councillors to launch the pyrotechnics from a barge in the middle of Bridgwater Bay. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported in July how a high tide occurring on the night of the display on Sunday November 7th means the beach will be under water. More...

Man cleared of attack on father
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man has this week been cleared of attacking his father with a baseball bat. Lee Noad of Jaycroft Road was charged earlier this year with 'wounding with intent' following an incident in January. A three-day court hearing was scheduled to begin on Wednesday (August 25th). More...

Two-car accident in Brean
A MOTORIST was treated for minor injuries following a two-car collision in Brean on Wednesday morning (August 25th). Police and ambulance crews were called to the Weston Road in the village at 10.20am after a van collided with a Nissan car. The road was blocked for a short time. More...

Heavy rain floods town bank
Exclusive: FIRE crews were called to a Burnham-On-Sea bank on Wednesday evening (August 25th) after torrential rainfall caused flooding inside. Firefighters were called to HSBC in College Street at 6.45pm, as pictured here, after the bank's alarms sounded when water gushed through the ceiling of the property. More...

Council warned over cutbacks
COUNCIL tax bills in Burnham-On-Sea could be set to rise and public services could be axed if the town council has to take over the management of more public services, it was warned this week. Sedgemoor District Council wants local councils to contribute to its costs. More...

Tickets go on sale for concert
A LEADING Welsh male choir is to perform a concert in Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Threatre next month. Telgarth Male Choir will be belting out a line-up of stirring songs on the evening of Saturday 18th September in aid of the Sue Ryder Care charity. More...

Bikers raise cash for helicopter
A convoy of bikers has raised funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance by taking part in a ride-out from Highbridge. Somerset Motorcycle Group's annual Teddy Bear Run saw more than 20 bikers take to the road from the Bristol Bridge Inn to raise cash for the charity. More...

Illuminated yacht parade this Friday
AN illuminated procession of over a dozen yachts will be held in Burnham-On-Sea this Friday evening (August 27th). Fifteen members of the town's Sailing Club will be taking to the sea in a flotilla of boats decorated with colourful electric lights. They will set sail from the Yacht Club at around 9.30pm. More...

School's delight at GCSE results
DOZENS of GCSE students at Highbridge's King Alfred School were celebrating on Tuesday morning (August 24th) after achieving record exam results. The Year 11 students have helped the school see a big rise in its top grades with an increase of more than six per cent in A* and A grades plus distinctions and distinctions with stars. More...

Police warning over collectors
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week advised residents to be cautious when donating clothes to door-to-door charity collectors after a bogus service targeted the town. Hundreds of collecting bags have been posted through doors across the town during recent days. More...

Two-day concert this weekend
ORGANISERS of a two-day musical extravaganza which is to be staged near Burnham-On-Sea this coming weekend are making final preparations for the big event. Highbridge's Oak Tree Arena is to play host to two top ABBA and Bee Gees tribute groups. More...

Vegetables come alive!
AMUSING vegetable designs were among the wide range of entries that went on show at Brent Knoll's annual Flower Show on Saturday (August 21st). The caterpillar entry pictured here, consisting of potatoes and beans, scooped first prize in one of the kids categories. More...

Classic car fans head to Mark
MOTORING enthusiasts from across the country descended upon a village near Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (August 22nd) for an annual event. Over 250 classic models were driven to the Mark Moor International Vehicle Festival for the village's annual day-long festival. More...

Brean mudflats safety scare
BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards were called to Brean beach on Monday afternoon (August 23rd) amid concern for the welfare of two children. A beach warden raised the alarm at 3.30pm after two boys were seen struggling in mud several hundred metres from the beach. More...

£820 boost for Burnham club
ONE of the area's biggest employers has this week donated more than £800 to Burnham-On-Sea's Gateway Club. Isleport Foods has handed over a cheque for £820 to the Burnham club to help fund its annual summer holiday trip for local adults with learning disabilities. More...

Tennis players flock to town
HUNDREDS of tennis players have been taking part in two long-running tournaments at Burnham-On-Sea Avenue Tennis Club in recent days. The 92nd Annual Burnham-On-Sea Senior Open has also been held in recent says, with many local players picking up prizes. More...

680 entries displayed at show
OVER 680 entries were judged at the annual West Huntspill Show on Saturday (August 21st). Flowers, crafts, vegetables, cookery items and children's entries went on display in the village hall. Judges at the event said they were impressed by the overall standard on display. More...

Mayor raises cuppa for charity
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were the special guests at a fundraising cream tea in the town on Sunday afternoon (August 22nd). Michael and Maria Clarke were among 60 invited people who attended the BUPA 'Royal Garden Party' at Burnham Nursing Centre. More...

Man arrested after crash
Exclusive: A motorist has been arrested after this accident closed a busy Burnham-On-Sea road early on Sunday morning (August 22nd), as pictured here. Police temporarily closed Stoddens Road after a black Ford Fiesta careered off the roadway into a ditch near the entrance to the town's BASC sports ground. More...

Trampled swan rescued
A RESCUE boat crew from Burnham-On-Sea was called out on Saturday (August 21st) to help animal rescuers reach an injured bird on a lake - the second such incident this week. A resident in Lympsham contacted East Huntspill-based Secret World at 2pm and BARB was called to help. More...

Path protesters 'invigorated'
Exclusive video: DOZENS of protesters joined a second march through Berrow on Saturday (August 21st) as they stepped up their calls for a new footpath to be introduced along Coast Road. The protest, organised by Berrow's Local Action Team, was the second of two marches and was attended by 50 people. More...

Warning issued after burglaries
POLICE have warned residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area to securely lock their doors and windows at night following several burglaries in the area. Homes in Brent Knoll are among five in the district that have been burgled in overnight raids where property, including electrical items and jewellery, have been stolen. More...

In photos: Kids Centre Fun Day
HIGHBRIDGE Children's Centre opened its doors to scores of families on Friday (August 20th) when it held its annual summer fun day. Over 100 children attended the day of activities, which included arts, crafts, face painting, drumming, juggling, a forest school and story telling. More...

Grim find in river near Burnham
ANIMAL carers from Burnham-On-Sea were shocked to discover more than 40 bodies of dead chickens and ducks floating in a local river on Friday morning (August 20th). Volunters from Secret World were called to Cripps River where they made the grim find in the water between Bason Bridge and East Huntspill. More...

Knitters on teddy bear mission
A BURNHAM-On-Sea knitting enthusiast has created hundreds of teddy bears for needy children in Africa. Olive Cooper has grabbed bundles of wool and knitting needles to take part in a district-wide project to create hundreds of teddies for Ugandan youngsters. More...

Surprise visitor at bike marking
A CLASSIC tricycle from the 1980s was among the bikes that Burnham-On-Sea police were asked to mark during a bike marking event held on Wednesday afternoon (August 18th). A Sinclair C5 was brought to the police's special bike marking day held at Apex Wildlife Park. More...

Play areas set for £19k boost
Exclusive: Childrens play areas in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge look set to receive a £19,000 boost following a meeting of town councillors this week. Proposals to spend £12,995 in Highbridge and £6,005 in Burnham on new play equipment were approved by town councillors. More...

School achieves record A-levels
In Photos: PUPILS at Highbridge's King Alfred School are today (Thursday) celebrating the best A-level results in the school's history. Over 40 nervous students opened their envelopes this morning - and the vast majority of them were delighted at how they'd done. More...

Shock over council house danger
Exclusive: A concerned resident has this week spoken of her shock at the 'dangerous condition' of a Burnham-On-Sea council home she is due to move into. Helen Groves told Burnham-On-Sea.com that she is worried for the safety of her children due to shards of broken glass over the garden. More...

Jason reaches £5k milestone
WELL-known Burnham-On-Sea runner Jason Vickers has raised more than £5,000 for charity in the last four years. Jason hit the milestone this week after collecting £800 in three days during supermaket collections at Burnham-On-Sea's Tesco and Morrisons stores. More...

Stranded alpaca rescued
FIREFIGHTERS have rescued an alpaca which had become stuck in a ditch near Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday morning (August 18th). Three fire crews from Cheddar and Bridgwater were sent to the incident at 9.20am at a field in a smallholding in the village of Tarnock. More...

'Axe seafront cycling ban'
Exclusive: A new campaign calling on Sedgemoor District Council to axe the "unnecessary" ban on cycling along Burnham-On-Sea's seafront has been launched this week. Cycling enthusiast Andy Brewer, who is a member of Sedgemoor Cycling Group, has urged the council to axe the bye-law. More...

Musicians set sail for festival
A GROUP of musicians from Burnham-On-Sea took to the high seas to attend the Watchet Harbour Festival at the weekend. Rustique - which comprises John Clist, Pete Beach, Greg Aylmer, John Ellison and Rob Brain - sailed across the Bristol Channel from Burnham to Watchet. More...

Parks target troublemakers
Exclusive: A DOZEN Brean holiday park have teamed up with Burnham-On-Sea police to launch a new scheme that aims to rid the area of anti-social and unacceptable behaviour among holidaymakers. Holiday Resort Unity and eleven other parks are currently piloting the new scheme, called 'Sitewatch'. More...

Free bike security marking
CYCLISTS can have their bikes security marked and get road safety advice when Burnham Police hold a special bike marking event on Wednesday (August 18th). The marking session will be held from 2.30pm-3.30pm at the main Apex Wildlife Park car park in Highbridge. More...

Canal rescue for injured swan
A RESCUE boat crew from Burnham-On-Sea has today (Tuesday, August 17th) helped wildlife carers in Bridgwater retrieve a distressed swan which had swallowed a fishing hook and line. BARB's inshore rescue boat crew were called out by East Huntspill's Secret World at 9.45am. More..

Crews called to town car fire
BURNHAM-On-Sea firefighters rushed to a supermarket car park in Highbridge this morning (Tuesday, August 17th) after a vehicle was reported to be on fire. A motorist in the town's Asda car park raised the alarm at 11.36am after spotting smoke emerging from the engine of a silver Citroen. More..

Town car wash plan approved
Exclusive: PROPOSALS to convert this car park in Burnham-On-Sea into a car washing centre have been approved by district council planners. They have given a green light to the owners of the land, which is at the rear of Morrisons supermarket just off Pier Street. More..

Rap group's delight at invite
AN up-and-coming rap group from Burnham-On-Sea has been invited to attend a prestigious music festival. Jay, Keron and 'Junior' formed their rap band 'Typical Grafters' earlier this year and have been invited to a three-day music event being held this weekend near Frome. More...

Show opens this Wednesday
A BRENT Knoll garden centre is holding a show dedicated to some of the country's favourite flowers this Wednesday and Thursday (August 18th and 19th). Sanders Garden World will be holding a Dahlia and Gladioli Show when experts from two top flower societies will be on-hand. More...

Sponsored walkers sought
SUPPORTERS of The Alzheimer's Society will be pulling on their walking boots to take part in the charity's annual Sponsored Memory Walk in Brean on Sunday 19th September. This year's event is being sponsored and promoted by Brean Leisure Park and will start at 2pm. More...

Pakistan flood victims helped
OVER £2,000 has been raised for local charities and the victims of Pakistan's flood disaster from the sale of books at a temporary shop in Burnham-On-Sea. The Rotary Club's summer book shop opened at the start of August and is operating from the former Thresher's. More...

Violent incident in Highbridge
Exclusive: POLICE have this week appealed for the public's help in identifying a man who may able to help with their inquiries following a violent incident in Highbridge. Police want help in identifying a man who may be able to help with their enquiries into a case of violence. More...

Medal wins for Monarchs club
DEDICATED training has again paid off for members of Monarch's Acrobatic Gymnasts Club in Highbridge with further success. Sixteen clubs recently entered The South West Acrobatic Championships 2010 in Taunton and the Monarchs team scooped medals. More...

New art exhibition is opened
A NEW exhibition of paintings and photographs of British and overseas locations created by local artists has opened this week at a Burnham-On-Sea art gallery. Called 'Location! Location!', the display has opened at Sea Breeze in Victoria Street until the end of August. More...

Town show hailed a success
MORE than 500 entries went on display at the 43rd annual Burnham-On-Sea Horticultural Show over the weekend (August 14th and 15th). The two-day event was held at Sanders Garden World at Brent Knoll and featured hundreds of entries across 100 classes. More...

Big crowds flock to rescue day
HUGE crowds packed Burnham-On-Sea seafront on Sunday (August 15th) when dozens of emergency services from across the West Country gathered to take part in a joint safety awareness day featuring scores of displays and demonstrations. ESCAPE included various displays. More... | Video | Gallery

Police appeal after store theft
POLICE officers investigating a case of fraud and theft at a Highbridge supermarket have released this CCTV photo of two people they wish to talk to in connection with the incident. Officers say two men entered the former Somerfield store and attempted to buy two store vouchers for £400. More...

New £14k toilet facilities open
A £14,000 project to introduce new toilet facilities at a village hall near Burnham-On-Sea was officially completed on Saturday afternoon (August 14th). A ceremony was held in East Brent Village Hall to mark the opening of its modern new ladies and disabled WCs. More...

MP backs Coast Road protest
BURNHAM-On-Sea MP Tessa Munt gave her support to campaigners calling for a new footpath to be built along Coast Road in Berrow on Saturday (August 14th). She joined a protest march, organised by the Berrow Local Action Team, where she told protesters that they have her full backing. More...

Horticultural show underway
TOP quality vegetables, flowers and crafts are on show this weekend (August 14th and 15th) at Burnham-On-Sea's annual Horticultural Show. The 43rd show, run by Burnham & District Horticultural Society, is being held at Sanders Garden World. The show is open to all on both days. More...

Shock over badger poisoning
ANIMAL carers at East Huntspill's Secret World Wildlife Rescue have expressed shock this week at the number of sick badgers that have been admitted to the charity over the past few days with neurological symptoms caused by poisoning. One badger died soon after admission, another is still on a drip. More...

New-look supermarket opens
THERE were celebrations at a supermarket in Highbridge on Friday morning (August 13th) when it re-opened following a £170,000 revamp. The town's Somerfield store in Southwell Crescent, which employs 25 staff, has been given a makeover as it becomes a Co-Operative. More...

Final seafront race of summer
OVER 40 runners competed in the final seafront race of the summer season on Thursday (August 12th). Runners from across the region gathered on The Esplanade for the 5km race that saw competitors running three laps of a circuit along the seafront. More...

Folkfest tickets now on sale
THE countdown has begun to next month's Burnham-On-Sea FolkFest music festival and tickets have gone on sale this week for the first night of entertainment. The organisers are holding a special 'Thursday Taster Concert' in the town's Ritz Club on Thursday September 2nd. More...

Soap and buckets are ready!
A FUNDRAISING car wash is set to be held in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (August 14th) led by young members of Highbridge's Dreamscheme. The group's event will be held at Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station in Marine Drive from 10am-2pm throughout the day in aid of local charities. More...

Wind farm protest in Burnham
Exclusive: BANNER-wielding residents who are opposed to controversial plans for a new wind farm to be built at West Huntspill held a protest outside the power company's exhibition in Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday (August 12th). Supporters of 'No Huntspill Wind Farms' gathered outside the Princess. More...

Vandals attack town displays
Exclusive: POLICE have stepped up patrols in the centre of Highbridge this week after vandals ripped up plants from flower beds and damaged several hanging baskets. Members of the Highbridge In Bloom committee have met this week to discuss the problems which have occurred over several nights. More...

Burnham Halifax branch to shut
BURNHAM-On-Sea's branch of the Halifax building society is to close in November, it has been announced this week. The branch at 56 the High Street will shut its doors for the final time on Friday 5th November. The closure follows the merger of Lloyds and Halifax following the banking crisis last year. More...

Clean-up for Burnham beach
BURNHAM-On-Sea's beach should be looking a lot cleaner this week after a community-spirited group carried out a beach clean on Wednesday (August 11th). The team of volunteers from The Huntspill Project, who have learning difficulties, filled over a dozen bin bags. More...

Five arrests after assault
Exclusive: FIVE people have been arrested in Brean as police investigate an assault on the resort's beach. A man received facial injuries after being attacked by a group of young people on the village's beach last week. The victim, who was under 20, was taken to hospital for injuries to his face. More...

Sea water study launched
Exclusive: THE quality of bathing water in Burnham-On-Sea has been tested by the Environment Agency this week as its launched a new study into the effects of water running into the sea from the River Brue. Water samples have been taken on three high tides this week. More...

Have your say on Hinkley plans
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea will get a chance to make their views known about plans to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. EDF Energy has announced that an extra event as part of its Stage 2 public consultation on plans for a new nuclear power station. More...

Charity runners raise £1,200
A BURNHAM-On-Sea teaching assistant and four friends have raised over £1,000 for a charity close to their hearts. Sam Stockham, who works at Brent Knoll School, completed the London 10km Run with pals Fiona Wilson, Tom Durston, John Durston and Clair Bell. More...

£170k new look for supermarket
A SUPERMARKET chain has invested £170,000 in converting Highbridge's Somerfield store into a new Co-Op branded store, which is set to open later this week. The new-look store in Southwell Crescent will open its doors for the first time this Friday (13th August) with a greater product range. More...

Academy celebrates success
THREE young members of Burnham-On-Sea's Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy are this week celebrating success after performing well at a top tournament. Oliver Punt, 8, Thomas Punt, 6, and Jonathan Bougourd, 8, played against some of the best players in their age group. More...

Tucker's Garage flats approved
COUNCIL planners have this week given the go-ahead to the construction of a block of 27 new elderly people's flats at Burnham-On-Sea's former Tucker's Garage site. Sedgemoor District Council's Development Control Committee considered the application at a meeting in Bridgwater. More...

Horticultural entries invited
KEEN gardeners are being invited to show off their skills at the annual Burnham-On-Sea Horticultural Society Show. The show, now in its 43rd year, will take place at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll over the coming weekend (Saturday August 14th and Sunday 15th). More..

East Huntspill Show Results
DOZENS of colourful blooms went on show at the weekend when East Huntspill held its annual Flower Show. Nearly 200 people filled the village hall on Saturday afternoon to look at a wide range of exhibits - from roses to hanging baskets and vegetables to crafts. More...

Council responds over graves
Exclusive: BADGERS or vandals have been blamed for removing flowers marking the locations of cremated remains in a Burnham-On-Sea churchyard. Burnham-On-Sea.com reported on Monday how Burnham resident Alex Turco was left angry after plants were removed from next to a grave. More...

Sky TV covers speedway live
Photo Special: MILLIONS of TV viewers got a chance to watch live speedway racing from Burnham's Oak Tree Arena on Monday (August 9th) - and Burnham-On-Sea.com was there to take a peak behind the scenes as the Somerset Rebels faced the Glasgow Tigers. More...

Two new Coast Road marches
ANGRY campaigners in Berrow who are calling for a new pavement to be introduced along a dangerous stretch of road in the village will hold two protest marches over the next fortnight. Berrow Local Action Team will hold them on both Saturday August 14th and Saturday August 21st. More...

Lorry brings down shop roof
Exclusive: A red-faced lorry driver caused part of a shop's roof to crash down onto a pavement in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea today (Monday, August 9th) after his vehicle accidentally struck the building. Part of the pavement outside S&A Carpets in Adam Street was sealed off at 2pm, as pictured here. More...

Jewellery stolen in burglary
Exclusive: POLICE have urged residents in Burnham-On-Sea to be extra vigilant after a burglar stole jewellery from a house in the town on Saturday evening (August 7th). Officers were called to South Terrace after a shocked resident discovered she had been targeted. More...

Lions Fun Day raises £1,100
Photo Special: A DAY of non-stop fun was held in Burnham's Manor Gardens on Sunday (August 8th) when the town's Lions Club held its annual Fun Day. Big crowds attended the event to watch and take part in arange of activities, which included dance acts, music, stalls and fair games. More...

Anger over 'grave desecration'
Exclusive: A furious Burnham-On-Sea resident has this week accused Sedgemoor District Council of desecrating his father's grave after its staff mowed over flowers and plants marking the spot where the cremated remains were buried in a town churchyard. Alex Turco says it is the second time this year that council staff have destroyed ceremonial plants. More...

Jewellery stolen in burglary
Exclusive: POLICE have urged residents in Burnham-On-Sea to be extra vigilant after a burglar stole jewellery from a house in the town on Saturday evening (August 7th). Officers were called to South Terrace after a shocked resident discovered she had been targeted. More...

Two cars stranded in mud
Exclusive: TWO stranded vehicles were rescued from beach mudflats at Brean and Berrow on Sunday afternoon (August 8th). Beach wardens were called to the stricken Range Rover pictured here, after its wheels sank into the soft sand and mud on Berrow beach when its driver drove out too far. More...

In photos: Town's Civic Service
FOUR residents from the Burnham-On-Sea area were presented with awards for their service to the community during the town's annual Civic Service on Sunday (August 8th). The Mayor of Burnham and Highbridge, Michael Clarke, was joined by The High Sheriff of Somerset. More...

Hovercraft search on Stert
BURNHAM-On-Sea's hovercraft was called out by Coastguards on Sunday afternoon (August 8th) amid concerns that a person was in difficulty on Stert Island. The Spirit Of Lelaina hovercraft, operated by Burnham rescue charity BARB, was launched at 2.45pm. More...

No injuries in seafront crash
Exclusive: A car careered off the road on Burnham's seafront during the early hours of today (Sunday, August 8th). Police were called to The Esplanade shortly before 1.25am after a Peugeot 206 slammed into a decorative roadside column, demolishing it, as pictured here. More...

MP 'linked to McCann adviser'
AN adviser to Kate and Gerry McCann has admitted staying with Burnham-On-Sea MP Tessa Munt while she claimed a single resident’s discount, according to new claims by a national newspaper. The Mail On Sunday reports that David Hughes, a media adviser to the McCanns in the months after their daughter Madeleine disappeared, stayed with Ms Munt. More...

In photos: Gig On The Green
AN afternoon of live outdoor music and entertainment attracted crowds of spectators to Berrow on Saturday afternoon (August 7th). The second annual 'Gig on the Green' was held on Berrow Village Green and has been hailed a success by its delighted organisers. More...

Crowds flock to vehicle show
DOZENS of classic vehicles went on display at an annual show near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (August 7th). The fourth annual Classic and Vintage Vehicle Show was held at the Balliol Hall Field in West Huntspill, attended by crowds of enthusiasts and families. More...

Cricket success for youngsters
A GROUP of youngsters from across the Burnham-On-Sea area have batted and bowled their way to success at a regional cricket competition. Huntspill Girls travelled to Taunton to compete in an Under 13s competition this week, where they were on top form and clinched victory. More...

Driver arrested on beach
Exclusive: POLICE have arrested a Porsche driver on Brean beach this week following a dangerous driving incident. The middle-aged motorist was arrested and charged with drink driving on Thursday morning (August 5th). The Porsche driver had been reported to the police for anti-social driving. More...

Fruit weekend set to be held
A SPECIAL event celebrating fruit is to be held at a Brent Knoll garden centre next weekend. Sanders Garden World is holding a 'Juicy Fruits Weekend' on Saturday August 14th and Sunday August 15th for anyone who is interested in growing their own produce. More...

Pensioner hurt on seafront
THIS was the scene on Burnham-On-Sea's Esplanade this afternoon (Friday) after emergency services were called to help an elderly man involved in an accident. Police and ambulance crews were called to the seafront at 4.10pm after the pensioner lost control of his scooter. More...

20 year wait for new park is over!
THE announcement that work to create a new public park in Burnham-On-Sea will start next week has been welcomed by nearby residents and councillors following a long wait for the start of the project. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported earlier this week that work to transform a former landfill site into a new park called Rosewood Green will begin on August 9th. More...

Celebrity couple in surprise visit
Exclusive: TWO famous faces from the film and TV world surprised regulars at a Brent Knoll pub this week by making an unexpected visit. Holby City actress Stella Gonet and film actor Nicholas Farrell dropped in at the Brent Knoll Inn on Tuesday (August 3rd) for a quick bite to eat, as pictured here. More...

Miniature town goes on show
A COLOURFUL exhibition showcasing the work of a group of dolls house makers has opened in Burnham-On-Sea this week. A whole street of tiny houses created by members of Burnham Dolls House Group is on show in the foyer of Burnham-On-Sea Library in Princess Street. More...

Mayor welcomes Brean circus
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor was among the guests at the opening night of a circus in Brean this week. Mayor Michael Clarke, Mayoress Maria Clarke and Sedgemoor District Council Chairman Jane Moreton were the VIP guests at the charity night for Zippos Circus at Warren Farm. More...

M5 park 'n' ride plan unveiled
Exclusive: PLANS for a huge new park 'n' ride facililty next to Burnham-On-Sea's motorway junction have been proposed this week. The town council has asked energy firm EDF to consider building the facilities when work begins on the new Hinkley Point power station. More...

Seafront flats fight steps up
Exclusive: A group of concerned residents and beach walkers in Burnham-On-Sea have this week stepped up their campaign to prevent a seafront home being demolished and replaced with a block of 13 flats. It comes after the developer lodged a formal appeal with the Planning Inspectorate last month. More...

In photos: Apex Play Day
HUNDREDS of children and their families descended on Highbridge's Apex Park on Wednesday (August 4th) to take part in a range of activities on National Play Day. The free event included more than 35 different workshops and activities, including climbing and a forest school. More...

Crews tackle hedge blaze
FIREFIGHTERS from Burnham-On-Sea have extinguished a hedge blaze caused by an out-of-control barbecue this evening (Wednesday, August 4th). One fire engine was called to Red Road in Brean at 7.45pm after sparks from a camper's barbecue set a hedge alight. More...

Anger over cinema vandalism
Exclusive: VANDALS have caused hundreds of pounds of damage to signs outside Burnham-On-Sea cinema this week. Three display boards outside the Ritz in Victoria Street were smashed, angering the cinema's owner Pat Scott, who said they would cost £300 to repair. More...

Post-It Note pranksters strike!
Exclusive: THE owner of this car had a sticky situation to deal with when cheeky pranksters in Burnham-On-Sea covered her car with dozens of Post-It notes! The unusual sight of a Renault covered in multi-coloured pieces of sticky paper was spotted in Priory Gardens. More...

Civic Award winners announced
Special Coverage: FORMER Mayor Mike Murphy is among four community-spirited residents in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge who have this week been named as winners of Civic Awards. Mike Murphy, Lyn Burland, Nita Buckler and Ron Parker have been named by the Town Council as recepients. More...

Work to begin on public park
SEDGEMOOR District Council has announced that work to create a new public park in Burnham will start later this month. The work to create Rosewood Green will begin on August 9th. It comes after the council decided last December to spend £2.4m to clear up theformer landfill site. More...

Five star awards for firms
STAFF at two food businesses in Brean are celebrating this week after being awarded a maximum five stars for their food hygiene practices. Subway and The Big Deal in South Road have been praised in the latest survey by the district council's Food Safety Team. More...

Shock over 'bar strippers' bid
Exclusive: Councillors have this week reacted with shock at plans by this Burnham-On-Sea cafe to apply for a licence to introduce "occasional topless bar staff and strippers." The application emerged on Monday (August 2nd) when the owners of Alfie Blu's in Pier Street sought formal permission. More...

Pickpocket alert for shoppers
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week urged shoppers in the town's High Street to be extra vigilant following the theft of several purses. The warning follows the theft of two purses from handbags in the High Street last Thursday (July 29th). More...

TV weatherman visits Burnham
WARM evening sunshine welcomed a well-known TV weather forecaster to Burnham-On-Sea on Monday evening (August 2nd) when he broadcast his predictions for the region. Richard Angwin, pictured, beamed a BBC Points West weather forecast live from the jetty. More...

Protest held over wind farm
PLANS for a new wind farm on a site near Burnham-On-Sea went on official display on Monday (August 2nd) and worried residents flocked to the event to air their concerns. Members of No Huntspill Wind Farms held a protest outside the EDF public exhibition. More...

Fresh allegations against MP
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt was back in the national press at the weekend over fresh allegations about her conduct after the wife of a local GP claimed the politician had a secret affair with her husband - and lied about her living arrangements. The Mail On Sunday reported on Tessa Munt. More...

Smile Walk held in Burnham
Photo Special: MORE than 20 colourfully dressed fundraisers pulled on their walking boots when Burnham-On-Sea's annual Smile Walk took place on Sunday (August 1st). The fancy dress walk started next to the town's jetty and the walkers then made their way along The Esplanade. More...

BARB hits £60,000 target
DELIGHTED crewmembers at Burnham-On-Sea's hovercraft rescue charity BARB are celebrating this week after completing a major fundraising campaign to buy a new £60,000 hovercraft. Donations for the new life-saving craft have poured in over the past nine months to help the charity buy the new craft. More...

In photos: Learn To Fish Day
SCORES of youngsters turned up to try their hand at angling during a Learn To Fish Day at Apex Wildlife Park in Highbridge on Sunday (August 1st). The event, organised by the Evironment Agency, was supported by five experienced anglers from across the region. More...

Fun day raises hospice cash
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were the special guests at a day-long fundraising event held in Brent Knoll on Saturday (July 31st). A busy line-up of activities at the Fox and Goose pub included tethered hot air balloon rides, giant skittles, live music and a special It's A Knockout event. More...

Cash stolen in raid on pier
Exclusive: MONEY was stolen from Burnham-On-Sea pier in an overnight break-in early this morning (Sunday, August 1st). Police confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com that a masked thief had entered the property shortly after 4.30am before causing damage to two machines and fleeing with a quantity of cash. More...

Hero saves OAP from burning car
Exclusive Photo: Fire crews have praised a 'heroic' member of the public for saving the life of a pensioner who was stuck in this burning car following a car crash near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday night (July 31st). Fire crews from Burnham rushed to the Mark Causeway at 10.13pm. More...

Murder mystery raises £280
A MURDER mystery evening held in Burnham-On-Sea has raised hundreds of pounds for the town's community centre. The event - in which the participants had to guess who had committed a mythical 'murder' - was run by Stephanie Wynn and several friends. More...

Earlier Burnham-On-Sea news stories:

2004 news archive
2005 news archive
2006 news archive
2007 news archive
2008 news archive
2009 news archive

Burnham-On-Sea Discussion Forum:
Discuss local news issues and more on our bulletin boards - click here.