August 2012 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

July 2012 news archive
June 2012 news archive
May 2012 news archive
April 2012 news archive
March 2012 news archive
February 2012 news archive
January 2012 news archive

MP seeks business rates reform
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP wants business rates for the UK's largest employers increased by a single percentage point in order to remove the burden of business rates on smaller businesses altogether. Tessa Munt said on Friday that she is compiling a new parliamentary bill that will seek radical changes. More...

County Council 'faces lawsuit'
SOMERSET County Council is making preparations for legal action from Southwest One, the joint venture that it formed with IBM in 2007. Computer Weekly reports that the stand-off is the culmination of 18 months of crisis talks over the joint venture's failure to deliver savings. More...

£4m town school handed over
Exclusive: A NEW £4.6m school in Highbridge is set to be handed over to the County Council today (Friday) ahead of its opening for the new school year. The new 420-pupil Churchfield School in Highbridge is scheduled to be ready for the start of the new autumn term following a year-long construction project. More...

Bike run in memory of Dylan
BIG-hearted bikers from across the Burnham-On-Sea area will be holding a fundraising bike run in memory of Dylan Cecil, the four year-old boy who died after falling into the sea from the town's jetty. Dozens of bikers are already signed up to take part in Sunday's event. More...

Comedy act performs tonight
BURNHAM-On-Sea's annual FolkFest continues this evening (Friday) with a comedy music night at the town's Princess Theatre. Comedy music group New Rope String Band, supported by Bristol duo Glowglobes, will lead the FolkFest Grand Opening Concert. More...

Pat scoops show's silverware!
WET weather hit the number of entries at the annual Mark Flower Show this week, but organisers have praised the quality of entries. Local resident Pat Kick, right, was delighted to scoop no fewer than five trophies for her display of colourful flower entries. More...

No medals, but a good start
HIGHBRIDGE swimmer Anthony Stephens missed out on a medal but had a good opening day at the Paralympics in London today (Thursday). The 26 year-old, who lives in Burnham Road, Highbridge, qualified for the final of the men's Freestyle 50m (S5) on Thursday morning in a time of 35.5. More...

Woman rescued by crews
POLICE, Coastguards, hovercraft and lifeboat crews were called out in the early hours of today (Thursday) to a person stuck on Burnham-On-Sea beach. The woman, who was in a distressed state, had become stuck in soft sand and mud at around 3.10am near the Pavilion. More...

Council 'inaction' attacked
Exclusive: MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea's Town Team are to lobby the Town Council next week over its 'inaction' to take forward £320,000 of improvements to the town centre. A group of members from the Town Team will voice their concerns at a meeting on Monday. More...

Liam's car torched by thieves
BURNHAM-On-Sea BMX rider Liam Phillips has described a group of thieves who broke into his home and torched his car as 'vile creatures'. Police in Manchester are investigating the break-in at the house of British track sprinter Philip Hindes, which he shares with Liam. More...

Burnham shop manager retires
A LONG-running shop manager in Burnham-On-Sea is retiring this week after a 51-year career in the printing industry. Brendan Duffy, 66, will work his final day on Friday after 26 years running College Press Printers in the town. He says he will miss customers, many of whom have become friends. More...

Road sign protest in Burnham
Exclusive: AN angry motorist has installed home-made signs along a Burnham-On-Sea road to draw attention to an apparent lack of speed warnings. The signs, pictured, were installed along Love Lane on Wednesday by an anonymous motorist to raise awareness. More...

Care home awards for staff
THREE members of staff at a Burnham-On-Sea care home have been handed long-service awards this week. Burnham's Mayor, Cllr Ken Smout, attended a ceremony at Frith House with CEO of Somerset Care, Alyson Martin to hand out the awards to the three staff members. More...

Police ban 10 cars from road
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have taken 10 vehicles off the road during a day of action targeting motoring offenders. Police targeted speeders and anti-social drivers plus motorists using mobile phones while driving in a day-long operation last Friday. More...

Anthony's Paralympics medal bid
BURNHAM and Highbridge's Mayor has today wished town swimmer Anthony Stephens good luck as he makes final preparations to take part in the Paralympics in London. Anthony, 26, is hoping he can improve on the bronze medal he won at the 2008 Paralympics - one of five he has won overall. More...

Free child seat safety checks
SOMERSET Road Safety is to hold a special event in Highbridge when parents will be able to get free advice on the selection and fitting of child car seats. It comes after checks in Somerset have revealed that around two thirds of child seats in cars are incorrect. More...

Town holds Community Games
RESIDENTS of Burnham-On-Sea's Marlborough Court, Gardenhurst and The Grove held a mass celebration for The Olympics by hosting their own Community Games last week. Over 50 local residents joined forces to compete in games that were a twist on the traditional Olympics. More...

Folkfest countdown gets started!
THE countdown has begun to the seventh annual Burnham-On-Sea FolkFest, which starts on Thursday (August 30th). The event will start with a rabble-rousing taster session at the Ritz Social Club when Hobo Jones and the Junkyard Dogs wil perform at the first event. More...

Car in central reservation crash
TWO fire engines were sent from Burnham-On-Sea and Weston to a single-vehicle crash on the M5 motorway on Tuesday morning (August 28th). Crews were called to the M5 between junctions 21 and 22 just after 10.30am to a one vehicle collision in which it was uncertain whether anyone was still inside. More...

Coroner confirms Dylan drowned
AN inquest into the death of four-year-old Dylan Cecil has today (Tuesday) heard that he drowned after slipping from Burnham-On-Sea's jetty. At an inquest in Taunton, West Somerset Coroner Michael Rose said a post-mortem examination had concluded that Dylan died of drowning. More...

Nigel celebrates going to print
BURNHAM-On-Sea author Nigel Boley is celebrating getting into print for the first time. Nigel, who formerly worked for local firm Boley and Scuse, has written his book to raise money for the national charity, Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), a cause close to his heart. More...

Bank Holiday washout in town
DISAPPOINTING Bank Holiday weather has again hit the trade of some tourism businesses in Burnham-On-Sea after one of the wettest summers for years. Umbrellas and raincoats were out in force on Monday as rain showers and gusty winds returned on the final summer Bank Holiday of the year. More...

Weather-hit fete raises £900
WET weather led to Burnham-On-Sea's annual Bank Holiday hospital fete being cancelled on Monday and replaced with a smaller, indoor event. Organisers from the Friends of Burnham Hospital made the decision to cancel the traditional Manor Gardens event. More...

Car festival attracts big crowd
HUNDREDS of classic cars went on show near Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (August 26th) at the Mark Moor International Vehicle Festival. Members of the village's Community Association organised the popular display, which was held besides Mark Village Hall. More...

Travellers leave village green
Exclusive: A group of travellers who set up camp on Berrow Village Green over the weekend have left the area last night (Monday). Six vehicles arrived on the green on Saturday, as pictured, setting up an unauthorised camp, much to the concern of nearby residents and the Parish Council. More...

In photos: Rescue services day
HUGE crowds lined Burnham-On-Sea's seafront on Sunday (August 26th) for the town's annual rescue services day which took on a more sombre feel this year after the death of 4 year-old Dylan Cecil one week before. Mayor Ken Smout opened the event. More...

Two-car accident in Burnham
A CAR slammed into a wall in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea today (Bank Holiday Monday) following a two-vehicle accident in the town. Two cars collided at the junction of Oxford Street and Adam Street at 8.50am, leaving the route partially closed by police. More...

400 attend Dylan church service
MORE than 400 people attended a church service in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday evening (August 26th) to commemorate the life of Dylan Cecil, the four year-old boy who died after falling into the sea from the town's jetty a week ago. The youngster's family were joined by members of the local community. More...

Weather hits hospital fete
WET weather has led to Burnham-On-Sea's annual August Bank Holiday hospital fete being cancelled today (Monday) and replaced with a smaller, indoor event. Organisers from the Friends of Burnham Hospital made made the decision early today amid heavy rain. More...

Eight-vehicle collision on A370
EMERGENCY services were called to an eight-vehicle accident on the A370 between Burnham-On-Sea and Weston on Sunday evening. Fire, police and ambulance crews were called at 5.04pm to the road outside the Hobbs Boat Inn in Lympsham where a person was trapped. More...

Missing girl prompts fresh scare
BOTH Burnham-On-Sea RNLI lifeboats were launched this afternoon (Sunday) to help Coastguards after reports that a girl had gone missing at Brean. The lifeboats had just returned from an exercise during the rescue services day when they were called to Brean. More...

Silent tribute held for Dylan
A one-minute silence has been held in memory of the four-year-old boy who died after falling into the sea from Burnham-On-Sea's jetty. Dylan Cecil, from Kettering, wanted to get a closer look at the water but slipped into the water last Sunday. His body was found on Thursday. More...

Model rail show in town
CROWDS of model train enthusiasts from across the UK have flocked to a two-day exhibition in Burnham-On-Sea this weekend. The annual Sedgemoor Rail event, run by Burnham and District Model Railway Club, began on Saturday and continues today, Sunday. More...

MP opens £90k hall extension
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt opened a brand new £90,000 extension to Brent Knoll's parish hall on Saturday (August 25th). She cut a ceremonial ribbon in front of more than 60 invited guests to mark the formal opening of the new Jubilee Room and its facilities. More...

Van rescued from sea
THESE were the scenes in Burnham-On-Sea this morning (Saturday) when a beach cleaning vehicle was pulled to safety after getting stuck in soft sand and mud. BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat) sent its tractor to the town's beach, near Maddock's Slade. More...

Classic car show on Sunday
OVER 300 vehicles will be on display in the village of Mark, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Sunday when the second annual International Vehicle Festival is held. Members of Mark village's Community Association are busily putting final arrangements in place. More...

Villagers upset over festival noise
Exclusive: ORGANISERS of a four-day music and sports festival taking place in Berrow this weekend have promised to reduce sound levels after complaints from villagers over late night noise. Hundreds of people are attending the 'Skullduggery By The Sea' family festival in fields off Berrow's Red Road. More...

Coroner begins investigation
THE body found washed up on a beach in Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday has been formally identified as missing boy Dylan Cecil. The four-year-old, from Kettering, fell from Burnham-On-Sea jetty last Sunday, prompting a huge search operation by the town's marine rescue services. More...

Lanterns ceremony on jetty
THE family of Dylan Cecil, the four year-old boy who slipped into the sea from Burnham's jetty, released lanterns in his memory during a special ceremony last night (Thursday, August 23rd). Just hours after the body of a child was washed up at Burnham Sailing Club, his parents released the symbolic lanterns. More...

Healing festival heads to town
CLAIRVOYANTS and mediums are among the exhibitors taking part in a 'Living With Spirit Festival' in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday. The event at The Princess Theatre runs from 10am-5pm and also includes tarot cards, crystals, healing and therapies plus other attractions. More...

Olympic torch heads to Berrow
AN Olympic torch will be on display at Berrow Church's annual summer fete this Saturday (August 25th). Burnham-On-Sea torch bearer Tony Deahl will be showing his Olympic torch and inviting visitors to have their picture taken with it. The fete at St Mary's Church will be held from 1pm-4pm and admission will be free. More...

England cricket star gives tips
TWO cricketers from Burnham-On-Sea took part in a special training session with England and Somerset star Marcus Trescothick this week. Captain of Burnham-On-Sea Cricket club, Pete Harris and young opening bowler Mike Green took part in a session called 'How to bat like a T20 Star' with Marcus. More...

Horse rescued by fire crews
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater were called out to rescue a stranded horse on Thursday afternoon (August 23rd). The crews were joined by a specialist rescue team at Chilton Moor at 4.38pm where the animal had become stuck in thick mud. More...

Youngsters put on a show
A LARGE audience of families has watched a special one-off summer variety performance at Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre. The event was the culmination of a week-long summer school organised by local dance and drama group DanceFit. More...

In photos: GCSE celebrations
GCSE students in the Burnham-On-Sea area are celebrating today (Thursday) after achieving an excellent set of results. For a second year running, students at Highbridge's King Alfred School achieved an excellent set of results with 62% achieving the headline figure. More...

Family thanks well-wishers
THE family of Dylan Cecil have today thanked well-wishers for their support following the recovery of a body of a child on Burnham-On-Sea beach. Coastguards and police recovered the body of a child, thought by police to be Dylan, near the Sailing Club. More...

Body of boy found in Dylan search
POLICE searching for Dylan Cecil, the four year-old boy who went missing after slipping off Burnham-On-Sea jetty, have today (Thursday) found the body of a young child. Coastguards and police recovered the body of a child from the coastline near Burnham-On-Sea Sailing Club at around 12.30pm. More...

Costa Coffee plans approved
Exclusive: PLANS to turn a prominent shop in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea into a new Costa Coffee cafe were last night (Wednesday) approved by town councillors. The council's Planning Applications Committee gave its approval to South West Coffee. More...

Church to hold Dylan memorial
A special public memorial service is to be held for Dylan Cecil, the four year-old boy who is missing in the sea after slipping off Burnham's jetty. St Andrew's Church on Burnham seafront will hold the service this coming Sunday at 6pm, precisely one week since the toddler went missing. More...

Mayor: 'Whole town is in shock'
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has expressed his condolences to the family of four year-old Dylan Cecil, who is missing in the sea after slipping from the town's jetty on Sunday. Cllr Ken Smout, pictured, says the whole town has the little boy in its thoughts this week. More...

Wild West fun day to be held
VISITORS to Brent Knoll will be able to sample a taste of the Wild West this weekend while raising funds for a good cause. The Boots & Saddles Western Re-enactment & Living History Club - which is based in Somerset - will be performing on Sunday and Monday. More...

Sonar search fails to find Dylan
A SPECIALIST underwater rescue boat has completed its search of the waters around Burnham-On-Sea today (Wednesday) without any trace of four-year-old Dylan Cecil being found. SARbot UK Underwater Rescue, an independent charity, spent the day using its hi-tech sonar equipment. More...

Two-car collision in Berrow
FIRE crews were called to Berrow this evening (Wednesday) after a two-car collision in the village. Two fire appliances from Burnham plus a rescue tender and support vehicle from Weston-super-Mare were sent to Berrow's Coast Road at 7.06pm where three people were cut free. More...

155th Harvest Home cancelled
EAST Brent's traditional Harvest Home has been cancelled this week due to its venue being waterlogged. The popular event, which attracts hundreds of people each year, was due to be held this Friday, August 24th but has had to be cancelled due to recent wet weather. More...

Sonar search for missing Dylan
A SPECIALIST underwater rescue boat will be searching the waters around Burnham-On-Sea today (Wednesday) in a hunt for the body of four-year-old Dylan Cecil who went missing three days ago. SARbot UK Underwater Rescue, an independent charity, is using hi-tech sonar equipment to try and find the body of the youngster. More...

£500k investment at local firm
A MAJOR boost was made to the local economy this week when a local firm officially opened its new £500,000 factory extension near Burnham-On-Sea. Burnham MP Tessa Munt opened new facilities at William Haley Engineering in East Brent during a special ceremony. More...

Hair salon marks first birthday
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Unique Hair and Beauty Salon has celebrated its first birthday with the creation of several new jobs. The salon, based in College Street, last week held a whole week of celebrations, during which the town's Mayor, Cllr Ken Smout, cut a ceremonial cake. More...

Flowers and candles for Dylan
SCORES of floral tributes and candles have been laid in memory of Dylan Cecil, the four year-old boy who went missing after slipping into the sea from the end of Burnham-On-Sea's jetty. The plight of the youngster has struck an emotional chord with many residents. More...

Highbridge wind farm concern
WIND farm protesters have released this new photomontage to illustrate how a potential wind farm near Highbridge would tower over the town's skyline. We reported last week that Gaoh Energy had submitted plans for a 60 metre tall weather mast in Alstone, near Highbridge. More...

Dylan's mum tells of tragedy
THE mother of the four-year-old boy who slipped into the sea off Burnham's jetty has explained how the incident unfolded. Young Dylan Cecil fell from the jetty at Burnham on Sunday, prompting a huge rescue operation involving lifeboats, hovercraft, Coastguards. More...

New wind farm photo released
WIND farm protesters have released this new photomontage to illustrate how a potential wind farm near Highbridge would tower over the town's skyline. We reported last week that Gaoh Energy had submitted plans for a 60 metre tall weather mast in Alstone, near Highbridge. More...

In photos: Search resumes for boy
COASTGUARDS and hovercraft crews carried out further searches of the mudflats at low tide in Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Tuesday) as the search for the body of missing four year-old boy Dylan Cecil continued. Volunteers searched Stert Island, the river estuaries around Burnham and beaches. More...

Council starts investigation
SEDGEMOOR District Council is to carry out a full 'internal review' of Burnham-On-Sea's jetty and its procedures following the tragic loss of a four year-old boy at the end of the structure on Sunday (August 21st). The council's Health and Safety Officer, Derrick Cox, visited the jetty this afternoon (Tuesday). More...

Council leader's condolences
SOMERSET County Council's leader has expressed his "deepest condolences" to the family of four year-old Dylan Cecil, who went missing in the sea at Burnham on Sunday. John Osman, Leader of the Council, said today (Tuesday) he extends his condolences. More...

Rescue crews in minute's silence
A MINUTE'S silence will be held by members of Burnham-On-Sea's rescue services in memory of four year-old Dylan Cecil at the start of this Sunday's annual rescue services day in the town. Dozens of volunteers from local rescue services will take part in the period of silence at 10am on Sunday August 26th. More...

Dylan was 'bubbly, lovely boy'
THE devastated family of a four-year-boy who went missing in the sea after slipping off Burnham-On-Sea's jetty on Sunday evening have described him as a "bubbly, lovely" child. Dylan Cecil's parents frantically tried to rescue him on Sunday evening after he slipped off the town's jetty into the sea. More...

Hovercrafts in search for Dylan
BURNHAM-On-Sea's hovercrafts and crews have been involved in a huge search operation to find a missing four year-old boy this week. Dylan Cecil's parents frantically tried to rescue him on Sunday evening after he slipped off the town's jetty into the sea, but they were unable to reach him. More...

MP pays tribute after tragedy
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has paid tribute to a four year-old boy who went missing after slipping off the town's jetty into the sea on Sunday. Dylan Cecil, from Kettering, fell into the water near to the Esplanade on Sunday evening at around 6pm and was not seen again. More...

Turf cut at new sports pavilion
A TURF-cutting ceremony has been held in East Huntspill to mark the start of construction of the village's new sports pavilion. After 18 months of hard work by the Sports Pavilion Committee, the ceremony was held to mark the start of the long-awaited building work. More...

Search called off for Dylan
COASTGUARDS have this evening (Monday) called off a huge search and recovery operation for four year-old Dylan Cecil, who went missing in the sea last night after falling from the town's jetty. Coastguards, lifeboats and hovercraft crews continued the search today. More...

Community in shock over tragedy
SCORES of floral tributes have today (Monday) been left on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront in memory of a four year-old boy who lost his life after falling from the town's jetty into the sea last night. Bouquets of flowers and toys have been laid on the sea wall in memory of the Dylan Cecil, from Kettering. More...

Police name missing boy
COASTGUARDS searching for a missing four year-old boy off the coast of Burnham-On-Sea have confirmed they are now looking for a body. Over 50 people from the Coastguard, RNLI and BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat) are today (Monday) searching the coastline for the youngster, who went missing from the end of Burnham's jetty at 6pm last night. More...

Coastguards 'now looking for body'
COASTGUARDS searching for a missing four year-old boy off the coast of Burnham-On-Sea have confirmed they are now looking for a body. Over 50 people from the Coastguard, RNLI and BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat) are today (Monday) searching the coastline for the youngster, who went missing from the end of Burnham's jetty at 6pm last night. More...

Search for missing boy continues
A MAJOR search operation for a four year-old boy who went missing from the end of Burnham's jetty last night (Sunday) is continuing. Overnight, Coastguards, lifeboats and hovercraft crews continued to search the sea and mudflats with no sign of the youngster being found. More...

£30bn barrage plans get a boost
PLANS for a £30bn barrage across the Severn estuary from Brean Down, near Burnham, to Wales have been given a boost after the Prime Minister instructed officials to look into them further. It follows a meeting with Peter Hain, former shadow Welsh secretary. More...

Fire crews tackle kitchen blaze
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea were called to a kitchen fire on Sunday afternoon when an oven caught alight. Three crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater attended the incident at a house in Church Road, East Huntspill at 4.43pm. No-one was hurt. More...

Huge search for missing child
A HUGE search operation is underway in Burnham-On-Sea this evening (Sunday) after a child went missing from the end of the town's jetty. Two helicopters, Coastguards, lifeboats, police and hovercraft crews are searching Bridgwater Bay after eyewitnesses said the youngster went missing at 6pm. More...

Tourist centre hits milestone
VOLUNTEERS at Burnham-On-Sea's tourist information centre have this week celebrated their 100,000th visitors since taking over the premises. Surprised couple Mary White and her fiance David Jamieson from Wells were greeted by cheers when they entered. More...

Road re-opens after tree falls
THE main road through East Huntspill was closed this evening (Saturday) after a large tree came crashing down, bringing with it telephone wires. Church Road was fully blocked for an hour and a half after the tree came down across the route at 8pm. It's thought that this week's bad weather was to blame. More...

Coastguards called to walker
BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards were called to Brean Down this morning (Saturday) to help a lady who had fallen and suffered a suspected broken ankle. A team of Coastguards was called out at 11am to assist the lady, aged in her early 60s, after the accident during a walk. More...

M5 speed crackdown this week
MOTORISTS have been warned that there will be an increased police presence on the M5 motorway during the next week as officers launch a crackdown on speeding drivers. Police and Community Speed Watch volunteers are taking part in a week-long campaign. More...

Furious pier owner in legal fight
Exclusive: THE owner of Burnham-On-Sea's pier is considering quitting her position as a town councillor as she prepares for a legal battle against Sedgemoor District Council over a sweet shop on the forecourt of the building. Sedgemoor District Council has issued Louise Parkin with a formal Enforcement Notice. More...

Town to hold its own Olympics!
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea will be holding an alternative Olympics on Sunday (August 19th) - and there's still time to sign-up to join in. Residents of The Grove, Malborough Court and Gardenhurst are organising the fun-packed event and have invited teams to enter. More...

Jack's cake sale raises £500+
A NINE-year-old Burnham-On-Sea boy has raised over £500 for a local hospital who cared for his late grandmother by holding a cake sale. Jack Millier, who is a pupil at St Andrew's School, held the event for the oncology unit at Weston Hospital on Wednesday. More...

Man hurt in two-vehicle crash
ONE person was taken to hospital following a two-car collision near Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Friday). Emergency services were called to Mark Moor at 1.17pm following the accident between an Audi TT and a VW transporter van which blocked the route for over an hour. More...

Body found after sea search
THE body of a man was recovered from the sea on Thursday morning (August 16th) following a major search by Coastguards from Weston and Burnham-On-Sea. The body was found by the teams after a man was reported to be missing near Weston's Birnbeck Pier. More...

Two hurt in Burnham crash
TWO people were taken to hospital following an accident in Burnham-On-Sea late last night (Thursday, August 16th). Berrow Road was closed, as pictured here, after the driver of a blue Mercedes lost control of the car and collided into a wall. Four people were inside. More...

Cadets meet Olympic medalist
A GROUP of Burnham and Highbridge Sea Cadets met one of Britain's Olympic medalists during a visit to Weymouth last weekend. The youngsters were thrilled to meet Team GB's Olympic Sailing team, including silver medal winner Luke Patience, pictured. More...

Village flower show tomorrow
HUNDREDS of flowers, vegetables and artwork will go on display at West Huntspill's annual Flower Show on Saturday (August 18th). Show Secretary Jane Moreton says the event, which takes place at the Balliol Hall in West Huntspill, promises to be another top class show. More...

Three groups given cash boost
THREE good causes in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week benefited from a fundraising scheme at Asda's Highbridge store. The supermarket is encouraging customers to vote for their favorite groups by dropping tokens into collecting boxes to win a donation. More...

Students map out their careers
TEEANGERS from Burnham-On-Sea have considering their future career paths this week after receiving their A-Level results on Thursday (August 16th). Among them is Burnham teenager Tristan Al-Shehab, right, who studied at Sidcot School in Winscombe. More...

Police probe footage of vandals
POLICE are investigating CCTV footage after vandals caused damage in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens on Wednesday night (August 15th). A statue of a cherub, which acts as a centrepiece to the gardens in the middle of a pond, was broken, as pictured here, in the overnight attack. More...

'Best ever' A-Levels for school
STUDENTS at Highbridge's King Alfred School are celebrating record A-Level results today (Thursday). There were celebratory scenes at the school early this morning as pupils cheered with delight as they opened their results envelopes after a nervous few months waiting for the big day. More...

EU regulations 'to hit tourism'
Exclusive: A STARK warning has been issued that tourism in Burnham-On-Sea could be hit from the year 2015 when new EU water quality regulations are introduced that are likely to see visitors being advised not to swim from the town's beach. Town councillors have this week expressed concern. More...

200 flock to family fun day
OVER 200 people attended a family fun day at Highbridge Children's Centre on Tuesday (14th August). The event was organised by Children's Centre staff and was free to all families with young children in the area. Children enjoyed chasing enormous bubbles and more. More...

Working party to be formed
Exclusive: A NEW working party is to be formed by the Town Council to oversee improvements in Burnham-On-Sea after councillors decided last night (Wednesday) not to pursue the creation of a new Town Centre Manager. A new independent working party is to be formed. More...

VIP attends couple's wedding!
A BURNHAM-On-Sea couple welcomed a VIP - a very important pooch - to their wedding earlier this week. When Karen James and Ian Rowley tied the knot at the Webbington Hotel, their much-loved dog, Marley, had to be a part of their special celebrations too. More...

Wind farm deadline approaches
RESIDENTS have just a few days left to lodge their views on controversial plans for a wind farm on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea. Energy firm Broadview wants to construct four 130-metre tall wind turbines - each as tall as Brent Knoll - on land at Pilrow Farm, south of Rooksbridge. More...

Dry cleaner to close this month
Exclusive: A long-running dry cleaning store in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea is to close at the end of this month with the loss of three jobs. Johnson Service Group has confirmed that its Burnham store at 53 The High Street will shut on August 29th as part of a nationwide cost-cutting project. More...

No Gig without new sponsors
THE future of Berrow's long-running outdoor music event, the Gig On The Green and the village's summer fete are hanging in the balance following a public meeting on Monday night (August 13th). The meeting was attended by just three members of the public despite being advertised. More...

Councillor quits as Chairman
A COUNCILLOR in Burnham-On-Sea has resigned from his position as Chairman of an influential Town Council committee following a stormy debate on the future of the Town Centre Manager role. Cllr Chris Williams chaired the council's Policy and Finance Committee. More...

Cash boost for theatre group
A NEW youth theatre group which has launched in Burnham-On-Sea this week has been given a cash boost. Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge (BOSH) Youth Theatre is being run at Burnham's Princess Theatre. A launch day was held on Tuesday (14th August) when more than a dozen children attended. More...

Met mast plans submitted
Exclusive: A WIND energy firm has submitted plans to build a 60-metre tall weather monitoring mast on fields in Alstone, near Highbridge. Gaoh Energy has applied for permission from Sedgemoor District Council to install the temporary wind monitoring mast in Alstone. More...

Met Office issues weather alert
STRONG winds and heavy rain are set to hit the Burnham-On-Sea area on Wednesday (August 15th), forecasters have warned. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for the West Country as a band of unseasonally stormy weather is predicted to sweep in, causing difficult driving conditions. More...

Closed loos cost £2,600 a year
Exclusive: TAX payers in Burnham-On-Sea are footing an annual bill of £2,600 for a block of public toilets that have been closed for four years. Sedgemoor District Council told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week that it is funding the lease for the facilities beneath Burnham Yacht Club even though they are shut. More...

Town MP abseils down church!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's plucky MP scaled the heights of a local church to help it raise funds at the weekend. Tessa Munt abseiled and took a zip wire from the top of Priddy Church tower on Sunday afternoon (August 12th). It is hoped that the event raised a good sum for the church. More...

In photos: Horticultural Show
HUNDREDS of gardening and craft entries went on display at Burnham-On-Sea and District Horticultural Society’s 45th annual show over the weekend. While the number of entries was down on previous years due to poor weather in recent months, quality was up. More...

Craft fair draws crowds to Cove
A FUNDRAISING craft fair held in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens attracted crowds of visitors on Saturday (August 10th). The event was boosted by glorious sunshine and a good turnout of traders. Traders said they felt the fair was a good use of the gardens. More...

Jack to hold special cake sale
A NINE-year-old boy from Burnham-On-Sea is organising a special cake sale this Wednesday (August 15th) to raise money for a local hospital who cared for his late grandmother. Jack Millier, who is a pupil at St Andrew's School, is holding the sale for Weston Hospital. More...

Music On Green strikes a chord
DOZENS of people flocked to Highbridge's town green for an afternoon of live music on Sunday (August 12th). 'Music on the Green' included a line-up of performers with acoustic artist Nicky Swann, who won 'Best Acoustic Act' at the South West Music Awards. More...

'You did Burnham proud,' Liam is told
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP and Mayor have said BMX racer Liam Phillips 'did the town proud' when he reached the final of the London 2012 Olympics. Liam, 23, raced in the final on Friday following superb performances in last Thursday and Friday's qualifications, but crashed out in the final race. More...

BIARS withdraws council bid
THE Burnham-On-Sea community group that runs the town's tourist information centre has this week announced it is withdrawing its bid for funding to create a new Town Centre Manager. BIARS (Burnham Information and Rescue Support) was in tallks about a bid. More...

Youth theatre set to launch
A NEW youth theatre group is set to launch in Burnham-On-Sea this week. Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge (BOSH) Youth Theatre is being run by the Princess Theatre. A launch day is to be held on Tuesday (14th August) when newcomers will be welcome. More...

Crucial Berrow meeting tonight
THE future of Berrow's long-running outdoor music event, the Gig On The Green, will be considered at a public meeting tonight (Monday, August 13th). The meeting has been called by Berrow Community Association, which organises the once-popular fundraising event. More...

Pirates ahoy! Fun day success
A PIRATE-themed family fun day, held on Burnham-On-Sea beach on Sunday (August 12th), has been hailed a success by organisers after attracting hundreds of youngsters. The free family event was held over the course of five hours next to The Pavillion. More...

Jet skier rescues stricken boat
Exclusive: THE owners of a boat which was left drifting in the sea after breaking down have thanked a jet skier for coming to their rescue on Saturday (August 11th). Jet skier Kevin Sharpe from Gloucester spotted the boat drifting in the fast-flowing waters near Stert Island, opposite Burnham-On-Sea, at 1.30pm. More...

Fire crews tackle kitchen blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea firefighters were called to tackle a kitchen blaze at a home in the village of Mark on Friday evening (August 10th). Fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea, Cheddar and Bridgwater rushed to The Causeway at 9.17pm where the fire was reported by local residents. More...

Police issue scam warning
POLICE have this week warned Internet shoppers in the Burnham-On-Sea area to beware of web scams being used to gain cash from people. The scam, involving the online payment service PayPal, highlights the dangers of sending out goods you are selling. More...

Mayor opens art exhibition
A WEEK-long exhibition showcasing the work of more than 20 Burnham artists is underway in the town this week. Over 70 paintings by Burnham Art Club members are on display at the Community Centre, where the event was opened on Friday by the town's Mayor. More...

Liam crashes out of Olympics
BURNHAM-On-Sea BMX rider Liam Phillips says he is "bitterly disappointed" after crashing out of the Olympics finals today (Friday), ending his medal hopes. Liam, 23, qualified for the final after further good performances in Friday's semi-final rounds - but he finished in last position in the crucial final. More...

Town Team leader steps down
THE leader of Burnham-On-Sea's Town Team quit his role during a heated meeting on Thursday night (August 9th). Alex Turco, pictured, announced he is stepping down from the position with immediate effect. It followed a stormy meeting at The Princess Theatre. More...

New phone shop opens in town
A NATIONWIDE mobile phone retailing firm is set to open a store in Burnham-On-Sea this weekend. Fonehouse, which has 50 stores across the UK, will open its new shop in Burnham High Street this Saturday morning (August 11th) at 9.30am. It is also supporting local charities. More...

Craft fete in Cove tomorrow
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Marine Cove Gardens will play host to an outdoor craft fair on Saturday (11th August). The Friends of Marine Cove are organising the event at the seafront gardens from 11am - 3pm. Around 20 stalls will be selling handmade items. More...

New jobs as salon celebrates
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Unique Hair and Beauty Salon is celebrating its first birthday this month - and has announced the creation of several new jobs. The salon, based in Burnham's College Street, has a whole week of celebrations planned over the coming week and is creating new jobs. More...

Liam reaches Olympic semi-finals
BURNHAM-On-Sea BMX rider Liam Phillips kept his Olympic medal hopes alive today (Thursday, August 9th) when he progressed into the semi-finals. Liam, 23, finished in second place in all three of his quarter final motos races, each time behind American Connor Fields. More...

Costa concerns raised by traders
Exclusive: COSTA Coffee's plans to open a new store in Burnham-On-Sea have raised concerns among traders in the town this week, with some calling for more council control over the number of food firms in the town. South West Coffee Ltd has submitted a proposal to open a Costa Coffee franchise. More...

Stranded boy rescued from mud
AN 11 year-old boy was rescued by hovercraft crews and Coastguards from Burnham-On-Sea after getting trapped in thigh-deep mud on Brean beach on Wednesday (August 8th). The young holidaymaker had walked down the beach to wash his hands in a pool of water when he sank. More...

Music On The Green this Sunday
AN award-winning acoustic act will be headlining a free outdoor concert in the centre of Highbridge this Sunday (August 12th). Nicky Swann, who won 'Best Acoustic Act' at the South West Music Awards, will be the lead act at Highbridge's Music On The Green from 12.30pm. More...

Horticultural Show this weekend
ENTRIES have opened for Burnham-On-Sea Horticultural Society’s 45th annual show, which is set to take place this weekend (August 11th and 12th). Green-fingered residents across the Burnham area are being invited to show off their gardening and craft skills. More...

Join the 'Burnham Bake-off'
HOME bakers in Burnham-On-Sea are being invited to begin perfecting their entries for a unique competition to be held in September. The 'Great Burnham Bake-Off' will see residents challenged to make cakes of any size, iced or naked, rich or fruity. More...

Great start at Olympics for Liam
BURNHAM-On-Sea BMX rider Liam Phillips began his bid for Olympics glory on Wednesday (August 8th) as he competed at the London 2012 games. Liam, pictured, qualified for the quarter finals by finishing in 12th position overall when he took part in the men's BMX time trials. More...

Residents in Olympics crowd
FOUR Burnham-On-Sea were among the 15,000 strong audience at a beach volleyball game in London this week. Bev and Sarah Milner Simonds joined fellow Burnham residents Jon and Julia Walters at the beach volleyball at Horse Guards Parade on Sunday night. More...

Liam begins Olympic bid today
BURNHAM-On-Sea BMX rider Liam Phillips begins his bid for Olympics glory today (Wednesday, August 8th) as he competes at the London 2012 games. Liam, pictured, will be taking part in the men's BMX time trials at 3.40pm this afternoon and hoping to do well. More...

Row over town manager cash
Exclusive: COUNCILLORS exchanged verbal blows during a town council meeting this week over controversial plans to introduce a new Town Centre Manager in Burnham-On-Sea. There were heated scenes in the council chambers on Monday evening (August 6th). More...

MP holds her 300th surgery
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt has this week held her 300th surgery since being elected in 2010. The MP says one of her key promises before being elected was to be as accessible as possible to local people and to listen to concerns and help with problems. More...

Food service helps needy locals
A NEW service has been launched in Highbridge to feed local people suffering economic crisis. The Highbridge Area Foodbank is a new local charity, supported by The Trussell Trust, that is run by people from a number of churches across the Burnham-On-Sea area. More...

Neighbours actor visits Burnham
AN actor who appeared on the popular Australian TV soap Neighbours for four years was in Burnham-On-Sea on Monday night (August 6th). Sam Clark, who played the character of Ringo Brown on the hit show from 2007 to 2010, was at Burnham Holiday Village. More...

Costa Coffee plans unveiled
A PROMINENT shop in the heart of Burnham-On-Sea looks set to become a new Costa Coffee cafe. The coffee giant has submitted proposals to take over the premises previously occupied by the Sanders greengrocers shop in the High Street.
More...

New store opens in High Street
A NEW shop has opened in Burnham-On-Sea this week, filling a prime High Street location that has been vacant for over nine months. Weston businessman Asif Ghani has taken over the former Shickle Shoes shop to open a new fashion store called Aniqa. More...

TV Matt's masterclass success
MATT Flint, the 2011 winner of BBC1's So You Think You Can Dance, visited Highbridge's Lucy Gunter Dance and Theatre Arts Centre throughout Saturday (August 4th). The star held a series of dancing masterclasses for children and adults, as pictured here. More...

Roll up! Roll up! Circus arrives
A FUN-packed circus has rolled up at Highbridge's Oaktree Arena for a week of shows. Ginnetts Circus is holding traditional family performances featuring jugglers, clowns, contortion, trapeze artists and acrobats. The shows run from Wednesday August 8th until Sunday 12th. More...

Eight more drugs arrests
A FURTHER eight people have been charged with drugs offences following a major 10-month police investigation in the Burnham-On-Sea area. The eight have been charged with intent to supply, money laundering, possession of class A, B and C drugs and the production of cannabis following an operation into suspected drug crime in Highbridge, Burnham, Bridgwater and Sedgemoor. More...

Club holds its own Olympics
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Monday Club celebrated The Olympics with a series of fun-filled events this week. Organiser Julia Elswood told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Swept up by the excitement of the London Olympics, members decided to hold their own version." More...

Pirate fun day on town's beach
A FREE pirate-themed family fun day is to be held on Burnham-On-Sea beach this Sunday (August 12th). The free family event is to be held from 12 noon to 5pm on the town's beach next to The Pavillion. Events being lined up include a fancy dress competition with prizes for the best pirates. More...

Berrow Gig beats the weather
HEAVY rain depleted the crowds at the annual Berrow Gig on Saturday (August 4th), but the spectators who braved the weather were rewarded with a great afternoon's entertainment. The free event was held on the village's Millennium Field, off Red Road. More...

£250k refurbishment to start
Exclusive: THE £250,000 refurbishment of a landmark building in Burnham-On-Sea is set to begin next week, its new owner has told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week. Burnham's Watermark Financial Solutions took over the Manor House in the town's Manor Gardens and the firm's owner, Mark Woods, wants to restore the building to its former glory. More...

Man sentenced over fraud
A HIGHBRIDGE man who admitted five counts of fraud after illegally buying items from stores in Gloucestershire, Cardiff and Bristol has been sentenced by magistrates this week. Ellis Thompson, 39, admitted five counts of fraud during a hearing in Gloucestershire. More...

Pro wind group visits Burnham
YES To Wind, a lobby group funded by the wind energy industry, has been collecting signatures in Burnham-On-Sea as the debate over controversial plans to build a new wind farm outside the town heats up. The group collected signatures in the High Street. More...

Rain cancels Burnham fun day
TORRENTIAL rain caused the cancellation of an outdoor fun day in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (August 5th). Torrential rain throughout the morning led organisers from Burnham Lions Club (pictured) to cancel their Fun Day in the town's Manor Gardens at mid-day. More...

Council votes against wind farm
Exclusive: EASY Brent parish councillors voted unanimously on Friday night (August 3rd) against plans to build a wind farm on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea. The parish council held a special meeting to hear the views of those in favour of the scheme and against it before deciding whether to lodge a formal objection against the controversial scheme. More...

Children's day care closes
THIS week sees the closure of one of Burnham-On-Sea's popular children's day care facilities. After three years Thorndike Day Care Childminders is closing. Owners Hayley and Terry Azzopardi told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "It has been a wonderful three years." More...

Camper van blaze on M5
MOTORISTS travelling along the M5 past Burnham-On-Sea faced delays on Saturday evening (August 4th) after a camper van fire closed two lanes of the motorway. Three fire crews were called at 6.19pm to the southbound carriageway between junctions 23 and 24. More...

In photos: £600 raised at tea
DELICIOUS cream teas and strawberry scones helped raise more than £600 for Highbridge Festival of the Arts at a fundraising cream tea on Saturday (August 4th). Dozens of people attended the annual event, which was held in a garden in Burnham's Rectory Road. More...

East Huntspill Show success
HUNDREDS of entries, ranging from flowers and vegetables to artwork, went on display at East Huntspill's annual Flower Show today (Saturday, August 4th). Myra Cox won the trophy for the most points in the floral art classes, while John Inder was the vegetable winner. More...

Furniture re-use service starts
HIGHBRIDGE'S Recycling Centre has this week become the first centre in Somerset to launch a furniture recycling service in a bid to reduce the amount of material sent to landfill. A range of furniture - from chairs to cupboards and beds to wardrobes - are now being accepted if they are in a good condition. More...

Police candidate in drugs vow
KEN Maddock, local Conservative candidate for the job of Police and Crime Commissioner, has vowed to crackdown on drug crime during a visit to Highbridge this week. He met with John Woodman, Highbridge's County Councillor to learn about the issues with drugs in the town. More...

Join celebrity dance sessions!
THE stars of BBC1's hit TV series Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance will be coming to Highbridge over the next few days to take part in several special dancing events - and readers can join the sessions. Matt Flint will be visiting this Saturday (August 4th). More...

Berrow Gig fun on Saturday
BERROW'S popular summer outdoor music event is set to take place on Saturday (August 4th). The free event - formerly called Gig On The Green - has been renamed the 'Berrow Gig' this year since the event will be held on the village's Millennium Field, off Red Road. More...

Burnham Fun Day on Sunday
BURNHAM-On-Sea Lions Club will be holding a Fun Day in the town's Manor Gardens this Sunday (August 5th) between 11am and 6pm. The event will include a number of attractions, including a bouncy castle, a climbing wall, a barbecue and other fun activities. More...

Cream teas for arts festival
HIGHBRIDGE Festival of the Arts will be holding its annual fundraising cream tea this Saturday (August 4th). The annual event will be held at White Lodge, 36 Rectory Road in Burnham from 2.30pm when all will be welcome. This is a great opportunity to help raise funds. More...

Hinkley traffic fears for Highbridge
Exclusive: FRESH fears have been raised this week regarding 'years of disruption' in Highbridge from large numbers of construction vehicles travelling through Highbridge on their way to the proposed Hinkley Point C power station. EDF announced on Thursday (August 2nd) that it is investing £3 million on a new scheme in Bridgwater to cut congestion. More...

Burnham Olympic hopes grow
BURNHAM-On-Sea BMX racer Liam Phillips will be eagerly watched by family, friends and residents in the town next Wednesday (August 8th) when he bids for a medal at the London Olympics Excitement is building across Burnham for 23 year-old Liam, who hopes to improve on his previous Olympic experience. More...

Film shot in Burnham launched
A NEW supernatural suspense film that has been shot in the Burnham-On-Sea area has been released by a local freelance movie maker this week. Burnham-based James Cameron's independent film, The Copse, was launched on DVD on Sunday 29th July. More...

Big crowds at Apex Fun Day
THOUSANDS of young people and their families descended on Highbridge's Apex Park on Wednesday (August 1st) for a day of fun-filled activities on National Play Day. The free event included more than 40 workshops and activities including archery and canoeing. More...

Six new jobs created in town
UP to six new jobs will be created in Highbridge this weekend with the launch of a new private hire travel company. Coastal Cars is a family run, private hire and executive travel service that aims to provide a fast, friendly service from its base in the town's Market Street. More...

The fight for Highbridge is on!
MONDAY night saw the first face-to-face meeting of the newly-formed 'Rise Up and Fight For Highbridge' group. Plenty of local people who hadn't heard of the group's Facebook origins attended and new grievances were aired. A lot of common ground was found. More...

Council tax consultation begins
SEDGEMOOR District Council is to ask residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area for their views on proposals to begin a new localised scheme for Council Tax Support. Council Tax Benefit currently helps people on low incomes pay their Council Tax. It is managed by local authorities and funded 100% by the government. More...

Wind farm TV fears played down
Exclusive: A WIND farm company has this week played down claims that large numbers of TV viewers face interference if four proposed turbines are built near Burnham-On-Sea. The No Pilrow campaign group claimed that thousands of TV viewers could face interference. More...

Lodge raises £2,400 for charity
MORE than £2,400 has been handed to several Burnham-On-Sea groups this week following fundraising by the town's Moose Lodge. Members presented the money to three good causes this week, having raised the money during several recent fundraising events. More...

John Craven is guest speaker
TV presenter John Craven will be the guest speaker at Wedmore's 100th annual Harvest Home later this month. Mr Craven, pictured, is best known for being the host of the BBC1's long-running children's news show, Newsround, and currently presents Countryfile. More...

Send us your news! Contact us at Burnham-On-Sea.com:
Contact us directly with your news stories - contact us here

Archive of previous year's Burnham-On-Sea news stories:

2004 news archive
2005 news archive
2006 news archive
2007 news archive
2008 news archive
2009 news archive
2010 news archive
2011 news archive

Photo gallery
Hundreds of photos from events across the Burnham-On-Sea area. Click here