February 2012 Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge News Archive

January 2012 news archive

Threatened bus service saved
CAMPAIGNERS who have been fighting to save a threatened Burnham-On-Sea bus service from the axe have this week welcomed a decision by Somerset County Council to partially retain the service. Hundreds of residents signed a petition to save the 113 service. More...

Horseback wins for new group
PUPILS at Highbridge's King Alfred School who have formed a new equestrian team have this week been competing in their first competition. Ross Dixon, 13, and Emily Lowe, 12, travelled to Millfield Prep School to take part in an inter-schools 'jumping and style' contest. More...

65th festival now underway
HIGHBRIDGE'S 65th annual Festival Of The Arts opened in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday morning (February 29th). Hundreds of talented youngsters from the ages of three upwards are competing for top awards over the course of the two-week festival. More...

Jobs boost as new firm arrives
Exclusive: PORTABLE buildings firm Portakabin has this week been granted planning permission to open a new centre on Highbridge's Isleport Industrial Park, creating new jobs in the town. The firm will employ 31 full-time staff and be located on land next to the roundabout besides Mark Road and Bennett Road. More...

RNLI to re-enact 1866 launch
BURNHAM-On-Sea lifeboat crewmembers will this week be re-enacting a lifeboat launch of 146 years ago in Gloucestershire. In 1866, the people of Cheltenham witnessed a rare event - the arrival and launching of an RNLI lifeboat into a local lake following a fundraising campaign. More...

Auditions held for town musical
A GOOD turnout of young people from across Burnham-On-Sea took part in the auditions for a new community production of the musical 'Pinafore Pirates' on Tuesday afternoon (February 28th). Over 40 budding young actors and actresses flocked to the town's BAY Centre. More...

'Save town bus service' - MP
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week backed calls from hundreds of concerned residents opposed to cuts to a local bus service. Tessa Munt says she has been contacted by many residents who are unhappy about the possible abolition of Burnham's 113 bus service. More...

Mouse racing tickets on sale!
TICKETS have gone on sale for a night of fundraising mouse racing to be held in the village of Mark, near Burnham-On-Sea, during March. The unique fundraiser will be held on Saturday March 24th from 7pm in Mark Village Hall with proceeds going to two Mark schools. More...

Underground drugs factory found
A HUGE underground cannabis factory has been uncovered during a drugs raid that involved police from Burnham-On-Sea. Officers made the discovery after a Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant was executed on farmland at Shipham. A cannabis factory, complete with hydroponics and running water, was found. More...

Rugby victory for town school
MEMBERS of a Burnham-On-Sea school's tag rugby team had plenty of reason to celebrate this week after winning a local tournament. The St Andrew’s Junior School team, pictured, took part in the annual King Alfred Tag Rugby Festival for Year 5 & 6 children on Monday. More...

New town guide is launched
BURNHAM and Highbridge Town Council has launched its new Town Guide this month, which has been arriving through letterboxes over the last fortnight. 8,000 copies of the 2012/13 edition of the new guide have been hand-delivered to all residents in the two towns. More...

Scale of speeding issue revealed
Exclusive: BERROW Parish Council has this week called on police to reduce the speed of traffic along the village's Coast Road following a fatal accident on Sunday (February 26th) in which two men died. Berrow Parish Council clerk Lynn Smith said: "Berrow Parish Council is aware that there is a general problem with speeding along the Coast Road." More...

Mayor's respects for victims
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has paid his respects to two men who died in a car accident in Berrow on Sunday (February 26th). A black BMW M3 travelling from Brean in the direction of Burnham careered off Coast Road in thick fog at 4.45am near Sandy Glade holiday park. More...

65th arts festival underway
FINAL preparations are underway for the start of Highbridge's 65th annual Festival Of The Arts, which opens in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (February 29th). Hundreds of talented youngsters from the ages of three upwards will be competing over the course of the festival. More...

Dozens support town TIC event
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor was among dozens of representatives of local businesses, groups and tourism attractions who attended a successful promotional evening at the town's information centre on Monday night (February 27th) held by BIARS, the group that runs the centre. More...

In photos: Hillview awards night
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club held its annual presentation night on Saturday (February 25th) when members received awards, trophies and certificates in recognition of their work over the past year. Deputy Mayor Ken Smout handed out the awards. More...

Auditions to be held today
YOUNG people across Burnham-On-Sea are being invited to come forward to perform in a production of the musical 'Pinafore Pirates'. Auditions will be held today when budding young actors and actresses aged 8-14 are assessed on stage by the Dreamscheme team. More...

£11k solar project completed
AN £11,000 project to introduce solar panels on the roof of East Brent Village Hall has been completed. Sixteen photo-voltaic panels have been installed on the south-facing roof of the village hall, as pictured here, following grants from a number of organisations. More...

Police appeal after two die
POLICE have issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward after two people died in a serious car crash in Berrow, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Sunday (February 26th). These were the scenes in Berrow on Sunday morning after a black BMW careered off Coast Road in fog at 4.45am near Sandy Glade holiday park. More...

Snow to spring in three weeks!
THREE weeks ago, Burnham's seafront was covered with a dusting of snow but, in stark contrast, this weekend seafront walkers enjoyed balmy Spring sunshine in their T-shirts. Temperatures in Burnham reached 13°C on Sunday afternoon (February 26th) - three weekends after snow in the town. More...

Fundraising dance for hospital
TICKETS have gone on sale for a fundraising dance being held to boost the finances of Burnham-On-Sea Hospital. The Friends of Burnham Hospital will be holding their annual buffet dance at the Oaktree Arena in Edithmead on Saturday 24th March. The popular event will feature live music and a disco. More...

Beavers aim for global badges
BURNHAM-On-Sea Beavers have been taking part in drumming and dragon making as they aim to earn their Global Challenge Badges this month. Burnham-based drumming instructor Angela Jones visited the group on Friday evening (February 24th), as pictured here. More...

Video: Berrow crash scene
TWO people have died following a serious accident in Berrow, near Burnham-On-Sea, this morning (Sunday, February 26th). A black BMW careered off Coast Road in thick fog at 4.45am near the entrance to Sandy Glade holiday park village. Fire, police and ambulance crews from Burnham were at the scene. More...

Young chef reaches cooking final
A TALENTED young chef from Burnham-On-Sea competed against youngsters from across the area when he reached the district finals of the Rotary Club's Young Chef of the Year Competition on Saturday (February 25th). Josh Pring, 13, cooked a three-course meal. More...

Two killed in Berrow car crash
TWO people have died following a serious accident in Berrow, near Burnham-On-Sea, this morning (Sunday, February 26th). A black BMW careered off Coast Road in thick fog at 4.45am near the entrance to Sandy Glade holiday park village. Fire, police and ambulance crews from Burnham were at the scene. More...

Vandals leave £800 of damage
Exclusive: AN angry Burnham-On-Sea resident faces a repair bill of almost £800 after vandals damaged his car while it was parked on the town's seafront this week. Graham Wills, treasurer of Burnham Sailing Club, found his Saab had been targeted with a key or screwdriver on The South Esplanade on Wednesday. More...

Opticians turns red for a day!
STAFF at a Burnham-On-Sea opticians were seeing red on Friday (February 24th) to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Staff at Specsavers in Burnham's High Street paid for the privilege of wearing something red as they took part in 'National Wear it Red Day'. More...

'No drought worries' says firm
THE firm that provides water supplies to the Burnham-On-Sea area has this week reassured customers that it has no plans to restrict supplies despite one of the driest winters on record. Across the West country, reservoir levels and rainfall are down by up to one fifth. More...

Entries open for Spring Show
THE entry period has opened for Burnham-On-Sea and District Horticultural Society's annual Spring Show, which is set to take place on Saturday, March 10th. As well as exhibits of flowers and plants, there will be photography, art, domestic and junior classes. More...

Fire crew called to fuel leak
FIREFIGHTERS were called to a Highbridge home on Friday evening (February 24th) to investigate a fuel leak. One fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to Dunbar Close at 9.39pm after residents reported a strong smell of petrol in the area. Crews removed a car with leaking fuel. More...

Queen hands MBE to proud Pam
Exclusive: THE Queen has this week presented a long-serving member of staff at Burnham-On-Sea Police Station with an MBE during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Pam, 57, was recognised for her services to the constabulary over the past 38 years by being named in the Queen's New Year Honours. More...

Sedgemoor freezes council tax
SEDGEMOOR district councillors have set their budget for coming financial year and have announced they are to freeze their portion of council tax bills in the Burnham-On-Sea area. It comes after a row with EDF broke out at the last meeting earlier this month. More...

Rally team hand over awards
ORGANISERS of the annual Brean Rally have this week held their presentation night when awards were given to the top drivers and a cheque was presented to Somerset's air ambulance charity. The event was held on Thursday evening (February 23rd) at Sand Bay near Weston. More...

Seafront 'boy racers' crackdown
Exclusive: A police crackdown on speeding and anti-social driving along Burnham-On-Sea's seafront has been hailed a success by residents this week. At Thursday night's quarterly community police meeting, Constable Tracey Stiles from Burnham Police said a number of drivers have been targeted. More...

Make your garden patriotic!
GARDENERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area will be able to pick up advice on how to plant flower beds and containers with British-grown bedding and plants in readiness for this Spring's Jubilee celebrations at a special event next month at Sanders Garden World. More...

Fitness challenge is launched
MEN in the Burnham-On-Sea area aged between 40 and 59 are being encouraged to join a fitness challenge at King Alfred Sports Centre in Highbridge. Sedgemoor District Council is working with 1610, the firm that runs the centre, to organise the event from the start of March. More...

Euro MP visits wind farm group
A MEMBER of the European Parliament visited the Burnham-On-Sea area on Thursday afternoon (February 23rd) and give his support to campaigners fighting a proposed wind farm development. Giles Chichester visited East Brent and Rooksbridge to see the NoPilrow group. More...

Residents set police priorities
TACKLING drugs in Burnham-On-Sea town centre and anti-social behaviour in the Manor Gardens have been voted as the top two priorities for police in the town over the next three months. It follows a quarterly 'Have Your Say' community meeting last night (Thursday). More...

ITV breezes into Burnham!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront was briefly the centre of attention this evening (Thursday) when ITV broadcast its live weather forecast from the town. TV weatherman Bob Crampton braved gusty onshore winds as he stood on the sea wall to present the forecast. More...

TIC is 'not at risk of closure'
CLAIMS that Burnham-On-Sea's Tourist Information Centre is at risk of closure have been rejected by bosses behind the operation this week. A local newspaper claimed the centre "could be at risk of closure because of funding difficulties" however these have rejected as incorrect. More...

MP attacks 'knee jerk reaction'
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has called a decision by Somerset County Council to put on hold its proposed cuts to the Young Carers' Budget a "knee jerk response to save face after misjudging the public's reaction to its devastating proposals." She was reacting to an announcement from the council. More...

£1m Mary Portas bid launched
Exclusive: BUSINESS leaders in Burnham-On-Sea have this week issued a rallying call for support in a bid to secure a share of a £1million cash injection to boost the town centre. Burnham Chamber of Trade is competing for funding from a scheme spearheaded by TV personality Mary Portas. More...

Football fundraiser on Saturday
A FUNDRAISING race night is to be held in aid of Berrow Football Club in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday evening (February 25th). The race night will be held at The Rosewood in Love Lane from 7pm when the club's supporters and the general public will be welcome. More...

Auditions to be held for musical
YOUNG people across Burnham-On-Sea are being invited to come forward and perform in a production of the entertaining musical 'Pinafore Pirates'. Budding young actors and actresses aged 8-14 are being sought by Burnham Dreamscheme to take part in the autumn production. More...

Town's Peacocks store saved
Exclusive: STAFF at Burnham-On-Sea's Peacocks store breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday when it was announced that the firm's new owners have saved it from closure. Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which is one of the UK’s largest high street chains, has acquired the Peacocks brand, plus 388 stores. More...

Lower tax bills after mistake
COUNCIL tax bills in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are set to rise by just 20p this year - which is less than the 52p a year increase orginally announced by the Town Council earlier this year. Town Clerk Eileen Shaw says the council miscalculated a figure. More...

Have your say on policing
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents will be able to have their say about policing in the town when a public meeting is held on Thursday evening. The quarterly 'Have Your Say' meeting gives local residents a chance to influence what happens in their neighbourhood. More...

Fair visits Highbridge this week
A FOUR-day fun fair is returning to Highbridge's former cattle market site this week. The fair opens on Thursday evening (February 23rd) and runs through until Sunday night (February 26th). Its traditional rides will be charged at £1.50 each and runs from 6pm each weekday. More...

Wind farm plan to be submitted
BROADVIEW Energy, the developer behind controversial plans for the proposed Pilrow wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea, hosted two public exhibitions this week to show residents its plans which, it says, will be formally lodged with Sedgemoor District Council "within weeks". More...

Electoral changes proposed
THE Local Government Boundary Commission for England has this week invited people in the Burnham-On-Sea area to comment on new proposals to change electoral arrangements in the town. A seven-week public consultation on the recommendations has started. More...

Burglars in raid on post office
Exclusive: BURGLARS smashed their way into a village post office near Burnham-On-Sea overnight by making a hole in the building's roof. Burnham-On-Sea police were called to Lympsham Post Office at 3.30am today following the dramatic night-time raid. Police are not saying what was taken in the break-in. More...

Man, 50, died after taking drugs
A 50-year-old Highbridge man died after taking a cocktail of drugs which stopped his heart, an inquest has been told. Burnham-On-Sea police were called to the home of David Barrett in Newtown Road last August after concerned relatives raised the alarm. More...

In photos: Pancake flipping!
THERE was a 'flipping' good turnout at a special sponsored Shrove Tuesday event in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens this afternoon. The Friends of Marine Cove organised the sponsored pancake flipping event to raise money for two good causes on Shrove Tuesday. More...

Objections over 550 new homes
Exclusive: TOWN councillors have this week raised fresh objections over multi-million pound plans for 550 new homes to be built on farmland in Highbridge. They are concerned that Hallam Land Management's plans for the Brue Farm site will not provide enough community benefit. More...

Police appeal after car attack
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have appealed for witnesses to come forward after a car was vandalised in the town centre last week. A white Vauxhall Vivaro was damaged in the town centre on Wednesday 15th February between 11:45am and 3pm in Cross Street. More...

Sea cadets win drill competition
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Sea Cadets have this week won a leading Somerset and Dorset district drill competition. Following their success in 2011, when they lifted the National Drill trophy in the Colour Party competition, they have this year entered a larger competition. More...

Pancake flipping event today!
A SPONSORED fancy dress pancake flipping event is to be held in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens today, Shrove Tuesday. The Friends of Marine Cove are holding the event in the seafront gardens at 4pm when residents of all ages will be welcome to join in the fun. More...

New asbestos rules introduced
NEW rules for asbestos disposal are being introduced at Highbridge's recycling centre on the town's Isleport industrial estate from March 1st. The potentially dangerous substance will only be accepted if the site has been contacted in advance by the resident disposing the material. More...

Rugby side celebrates 98-0 win
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea Rugby Club have this week been celebrating one of their most memorable-ever victories. The club's second team beat North Petherton 98-0 in a league clash on Saturday afternoon, one of the club's biggest ever points victories over the years. More...

Cloggers deny closure rumours
A BURNHAM-based dance group has this week scotched rumours that it is folding. The Coastal Cloggers, who perform Appalachian Clogging sessions at events such as Burnham's annual FolkFest, have acted to reassure local people that they alive and running. More...

School open after power fault
Exclusive: HIGHBRIDGE'S King Alfred School has told pupils that it will be open as usual on Tuesday morning (February 21st) despite a power failure that interrupted services on Monday. The school issued a letter to all parents alerting them to the "power supply issues". More...

Pier legal dispute halted
Exclusive: SEDGEMOOR District Council has temporarily halted legal proceedings against the owner of Burnham-On-Sea pier in a bid to resolve a legal wrangle over whether a shop on the forecourt should be demolished. Over 100 people have signed a petition supporting the Pavilion's Manager. More...

Turbines pose 'risk to M5 drivers'
Exclusive: CAMPAIGNERS fighting a developer's plans to build four 426ft tall wind turbines near Burnham have this week said the wind farm would pose a safety risk to motorists on the M5 due to it being a "serious distraction". The group has released a new photomontage. More...

Dunes sea buckthorn targeted
OVER 20 volunteers joined a day of conservation work in Berrow dunes on Sunday (February 19th). Members of the public joined Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers as they made their annual trip to carry out the clearance of sea buckthorn and plant marram grass in the foredunes. More...

Rising sea levels warning
THE coastline around Burnham-On-Sea could significantly change when more than three-quarters of the Severn Estuary's mudflats disappear over the next century due to sea levels rise caused by climate change, a new report has warned. The next 60 years could see water levels rise by 30cm-40cm. More...

Town shop holds busking week
A BURNHAM-On-Sea charity shop hopes to raise hundreds of pounds by holding a week of busking. The Sue Ryder Care shop in Burnham's High Street is inviting local musicians of all ages and abilities to join in the event, which is underway throughout this week. More...

Row erupts over solar panels
Exclusive: AN angry row has this week broken out between a wind farm developer and protesters near Burnham-On-Sea after East Brent Village Hall accepted a donation from Broadview towards the cost of a major new solar panels project. Broadview has made a financial contribution towards the installation. More...

Pupils in eco-classroom contest
A GROUP of Highbridge students has competed in a regional science and engineering challenge to design an eco-classroom. Six students from King Alfred School's Year 9 visited Keynsham to take part in the contest and present the findings of their science project. More...

Hinkley expansion steps closer
THE clearest indication yet that the proposed Hinkley Point C reactor will be built was signalled on Friday when Britain and France signed a landmark agreement to co-operate on civil nuclear energy. David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy signed up to a major new deal. More...

TV show features town group
THE work of Highbridge Dreamscheme will be featured on a BBC television show this Sunday lunchtime (February 19th). The group's community work in the town will be shown on BBC1's Politics Show during a segment about regeneration in the town and community issues. More...

Potato festival gets underway
GARDENERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area who are interested in picking up information about how to grow one of the nation’s favourite vegetables are being invited to a free event at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World throughout this weekend. The annual potato weekend is on Saturday and Sunday. More...

New Manor House owner unveiled
Exclusive: A historical building in Burnham-On-Sea formally changed hands on Friday (February 17th) when its new owners took over. Burnham's Watermark Financial Solutions has bought the Manor House in the town's Manor Gardens and is to give the property a huge £250,000 refurbishment. More...

Road to close for three weeks
A ROAD through Berrow will be closed for three weeks from Monday (February 20th) while roadworks go ahead. The county council's work in Red Road was originally due to start last Monday, but was delayed due to the wintry weather. Diversions will be in place until March 9th. More...

Circus opens in Brent Knoll
A CIRCUS at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World formally opened on Thursday night (Fenruary 16th) and is now running until the evening of Sunday February 26th. Paulo’s Circus features acrobats, aerial silk performers, highwire walkers and traditional clowns. More...

EDF unable to answer anglers
Exclusive: POWER firm EDF has not carried out any studies on the numbers of fish likely to be affected by the installation of Hinkley Point C's new water in-take and out-take pipes in the Bristol Channel near Burnham-On-Sea, it emerged during a special meeting on Thursday night (February 16th). More...

New job club launches in town
A NEW job club which aims to help jobseekers in Highbridge find employment launched on Thursday (February 16th). Homes in Sedgemoor and Sedgemoor Community Partnership have launched the free group, which will meet weekly at Morland Hall every Thursday. More...

Beach survey team rescued
A SURVEY team had to be rescued on Berrow beach this morning (Thursday) after getting trapped in thick mud. Sedgemoor District Council's beach manager called on the help of Burnham-based rescue charity BARB to reach the stranded vehicle, near the Berrow shipwreck, shortly before 11am. More...

Police warning after car stolen
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week asked residents to be extra vigilant following the theft of a car and an attempted break-in at a shop. The two incidents occurred in North Burnham overnight on Tuesday (February 14th) into Wednesday (February 15th). More...

Weight loss awards presented
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were the special guests at a presentation evening for Slimming World members this week. Michael and Maria Clarke attended Tuesday's event in the Town Council Chambers in Jaycroft Road, where they handed out certificates. More...

Acoustic trio in action tonight
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Ritz Acoustic Club will tonight (Thursday, February 16th) play host to up-and-coming West Country group The Sound Of The Sirens. The sought-after trio will be performing a gig at the Ritz Social Club in Burnham's Victoria Street from 8pm. More...

Speed bumps plan wins backing
Exclusive: NEW plans to introduce speed bumps on roads through a residential area of Highbridge were given a 'thumbs up' by town councillors on Wednesday night. In an effort to tackle the problem of speeding motorists along Worston Road and Donstan Road, the County Council has proposed a series of measures. More...

Dreamscheme's first birthday!
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea Dreamscheme celebrated the group's first anniversary on Wednesday (February 15th) with a busy day of fun activities. The group's 100 members gathered for a birthday party and celebrations at the town's BAY Centre in Cassis Close. More...

Two arrests after burglary
Exclusive: TWO men have been arrested by police and charged with burglary following a break-in at a home in Burnham-On-Sea last weekend. Police were called to Brambles Road late on Saturday night (February 11th) following a 'high value' burglary at a property. More...

'No plans for new crash barrier'
Exclusive: SOMERSET County Council has this week said it has no plans to install a crash barrier at this accident blackspot in Burnham-On-Sea despite uproar from local residents. We reported last week that residents in Stoddens Road are angry that recent roadworks have not improved safety of the bend. More...

Society open evening tonight
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge's Fritzlar Twinning Society is holding an open evening tonight (Wednesday, February 15th) when potential new members are being encouraged to call in and find out more about the organisation. The event starts at 7.30pm. More...

In photos: Brent Knoll craft fair
HUNDREDS of people attended a three-day charity craft fair held in Brent Knoll at the weekend. The event was held at Sanders Garden World in aid of the Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service and saw a steady number of visitors over the course of the three days. More...

Dunes clear-up this weekend
VOLUNTEERS are being encouraged to join a day of scrub clearance in Berrow dunes this Sunday (February 19th). Members of the public are welcome to join Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers as they make their annual trip to Berrow to clear sea buckthorn. More...

Anglers to tackle power firm
Exclusive: POWER firm EDF is to meet concerned anglers and boat owners from Burnham-On-Sea during a special meeting tomorrow night (Thursday) to discuss their concerns about lost fishing grounds caused by the planned expansion of Hinkley Point. Work to expand the nuclear power station could result in the loss of fishing waters. More...

Players face off in tennis event
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Avenue Tennis Club held its first mini tennis tournament of the year on Sunday (February 12th). Unfortunately, a lack of numbers meant the Mini Red Ball Tournament did not go ahead but a successful Orange Tournament was held instead. More...

Hinkley cash row hits council
IT may have been Valentines Day, but there was no love between Sedgemoor District Council and power firm EDF on Tuesday afternoon (February 14th) when a dispute broke out between the two over the costs of scrutinising Hinkley Point's planned expansion. More...

Tony recounts war role on TV
BURNHAM-On-Sea pensioner Tony Winterburn, who was one of the last survivors of a dangerous expedition to transport aid to Russia during the Second World War, is to appear in a TV documentary about his role this week. Tony, 86, will appear on TV channel Yesterday. More...

Art project offers hotel hope
Exclusive: COUNCILLORS in Highbridge have this week expressed hope that an art project which is going ahead to brighten up part of the fire-ravaged Highbridge Hotel may respresent the first step towards tidying up the whole site. An agreement has been struck with the owner of the site, Mead Realisations. More...

£40 garden waste fee is frozen
THE yearly charge for having garden waste collected from your home in the Burnham-On-Sea area will remain at £40 this year, Sedgemoor District Council has announced. Gardeners in the Burnham and Highbridge area can now register to join it in time for Spring. More...

Arts festival countdown begins
FINAL preparations are being made for Highbridge's 65th annual Festival Of The Arts, which is set to be held in Burnham-On-Sea later this month. Hundreds of talented youngsters from the ages of three upwards will compete at The Princess from 29th February. More...

250 attend wind farm meeting
THERE was standing room only in East Huntspill Village Hall on Monday evening (February 13th) when more than 250 residents got the chance to tackle EDF and council bosses on controversial wind farm proposals. The residents converged on the hall to air their views. More...

New youth club for Burnham
A NEW youth club for youngsters across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge is set to launch at the town's BAY Centre next week. Called The Zone, it will open for the first time on Monday afternoon (February 20th) at the Burnham Area Youth Centre in Cassis Close. More...

Free sea safety checks offered
WITH the new sailing season approaching, boat owners in Burnham are being offered free sea safety advisory checks. Burnham-On-Sea RNLI is offering the advice as part of its ongoing work to increase sea safety. Among those using the service is Ian Chacon. More...

Safety calls after Berrow crash
Exclusive: FRESH calls for safety improvements along Berrow's Coast Road have been made today (Monday) following a two vehicle accident this morning. Police and ambulance crews were called to the Coast Road at 7.30am after a green VW Golf ended up on its roof in a roadside ditch. More...

Blimp protest over wind farm
A GROUP of residents near Burnham-On-Sea who are fighting two major wind farm applications took their campaign to the skies on Monday (February 13th). They flew a blimp hundreds of feet above the spot where the turbines could be built near East Huntspill. More...

Two vehicles in Berrow accident
Exclusive: THIS was the scene in Berrow this morning (Monday, February 13th) following a two vehicle accident which is likely to prompt renewed calls for safety improvements there. Police and ambulance crews were called to Coast Road at 7.30am after a green VW Golf ended up on its roof. More...

Blimp protest at wind farm site
RESIDENTS near Burnham-On-Sea who are fighting two major wind farm applications are set to take their campaign to the skies on Monday (February 13th). They will be flying a blimp hundreds of feet above the spot where the turbines could be built near East Huntspill. More...

Flats plan for health centre
Exclusive: A FORMER mental health centre in Burnham-On-Sea which was controversially shut down and sold by the NHS last year could be turned into a block of holiday apartments by its new owner. Belmont House in Technical Street was closed down last August and sold off by NHS Somerset for just £170,000. More...

Coastline Players panto opens
HILARIOUS entertainment is promised for those attending the 26th annual performance by Brean's Coastline Players. The award-winning drama group will be performing The Woman Who Lived In A Shoe in Brean Village Hall from this evening (Monday) throughout the week. More...

100% pass rate for dance pupils
SIXTY pupils from Highbridge's Lucy Gunter Dance and Theatre Centre are celebrating a 100% pass rate in their latest set of exams. The group have recently taken examinations in classical ballet, modern dance and tap dance and all passed with high marks. More...

Shannon clinches England place
A DETERMINED young Burnham-On-Sea football player has overcome a number of injuries to clinch a place on England's colleges team for a second year running. Burnham's Shannon Osman, 17, plays for Yeovil Town Ladies' first team and Somerset Under 18s. More...

Pictured: M5 car blaze drama
Exclusive: THESE were the dramatic scenes on the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (February 11th) after a car burst into flames. James Stevens, a Burnham-On-Sea.com reader, captured these photos on his mobile phone of the blazing vehicle on the hard shoulder. More...

TV 'led to explosives interest'
THE man who caused a bomb scare in Burnham last month has said he started collecting the explosive chemicals after watching a TV documentary on the subject, a court has been told. Phillip Leonard, 36, pleaded guilty at Taunton Crown Court to four charges. More...

MP calls for more transparency
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has endorsed a damning new report that criticises government research and proposals to build new nuclear power stations, such as Hinkley C, around the UK. The report was written by several campaign groups and backed by a cross-party group of MPs. More...

Anger over road safety changes
Exclusive: A GROUP of angry residents in Burnham-On-Sea has this week called on the County Council to introduce further safety improvements at an accident blackspot amid claims that recent work to increase safety has actually made the location more dangerous. Stoddens Road re-opened on Friday. More...

Coldest night of the year so far
THE coldest night of the winter so far saw temperatures in Burnham-On-Sea falling to -7°C as the cold snap continued. These were the wintry scenes at Apex Park this morning (Saturday) where the lakes were frozen over with a thick coating of ice. More...

Catherine achieves gold award
A SIXTH form student from Highbridge's King Alfred School is this week celebrating striking gold. Catherine Lodge has been awarded her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and will soon be travelling to St James Palace to receive her certificate from a member of the Royal family. More...

Charity craft fair this weekend
SANDERS Garden World in Brent Knoll is holding a fundraising craft fair over this weekend. The event, being held on Saturday (February 11th) and Sunday (February 12th), is open each day from 10am-4pm and will be raising money for the Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service. More...

Park jobs on offer today
DOZENS of temporary jobs will be up for grabs at Burnham-On-Sea Holiday Village this Saturday (February 11th) when the park holds its annual recruitment day. The event will be held from 10am-4pm and will see vacancies being filled in a variety of summer roles. More...

Tickets go on sale for circus
CIRCUS goers who watch a troupe performing their new 2012 show in Brent Knoll this month will be among the first in the UK to see it. Paulo’s Circus will be launching their new show at Sanders Garden World from Thursday, Feburary 16th until Sunday, February 26th. More...

In photos: Crews at town blaze
Exclusive: THESE were the scenes in Highbridge this morning (Friday) when Burnham-On-Sea firefighters were called to tackle a blaze in a block of flats. Two fire engines were sent to General Higgins House in Southwell Crescent shortly after 11.15am, as pictured here. More...

Scout leader jailed over sex abuse
FORMER Burnham-On-Sea Scouts leader David Burland has today (Friday) been jailed after being found guilty of 33 sexual offences against children. Mr Burland, 54, from Ramsay Way, appeared for sentencing at Taunton Crown Court this morning (Friday, February 10th) after carrying out the abuse. More...

Minister's boost for Burnham?
HOPES were today (Friday) raised by a government minister that Burnham-On-Sea could benefit from a new £23.7m government fund aimed at boosting the economy of seaside towns across the UK. During a visit to Highbridge's Oak Tree Arena this morning for a business breakfast, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said Burnham could benefit. More...

80 in the swim at fundraiser!
DOZENS of swimmers took part in Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club's first Swimarathon at the weekend, raising hundreds of pounds for good causes. Over eighty swimmers of all ages participated in the fundraising swim which was held at Brean's new 'Splash' at the village's leisure park. More...

Richard trains for marathon
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man is in training to run the London Marathon this April in aid of a local charity. Financial advisor Richard Thomas, 54, will be taking part in the gruelling 26-mile race to raise money for the Highbridge-based National Blind Children's Society. More...

RNLI car wash postponed
A FUNDRAISING car wash due to be held at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station on Saturday (11th February) has been postponed due to the weather conditions. The car wash was due to be held at the lifeboat station in Pier Street, but will be held at a later date instead. More...

Coastguards in search for man
BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards were called out to conduct a search for a missing person in Weston on Wednesday evening (February 8th). The team of nine backed up Weston Coastguards in searching for the missing, vulnerable person along the resort's beach. More...

445 homes without power
Exclusive: A POWER cut left 445 homes near Burnham-On-Sea without electricity for several hours this evening (Thursday, February 9th). Supplies went off in Brent Knoll shortly after 6pm and the cut lasted several hours for some householders in temperatures hovering just above freezing. More...

A38 crash: Update on casualty
A MOTORIST who was air-lifted to hospital following a head-on crash which closed the A38 near Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday does not have life threatening injuries, police said today. The busy route through Brent Knoll was shut for four hours while police were at the scene. More...

Mystery film shot at Brean
BREAN Down was turned into a film set this week when the rocky outcrop became the focus of attention for a mystery movie. Called 256 Steps, the wartime film was shot on location on Brean Down over three days this week by two young aspiring film makers. More...

Marine energy plan welcomed
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week welcomed Climate Change Minister Greg Barker's announcement about the formation of a new South West Marine Energy Park, stretching between Bristol and Cornwall, which could creeate energy from tides and waves across the region. More...

Carnival's £4,000 of donations
A WINDFALL of more than £4,000 was handed out to 18 good causes in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (March 9th) when the town's carnival committee presented the proceeds of last year's collection. Carnival President Malcolm Borland handed over the cheques. More...

New takeaway plan approved
Exclusive: CONTENTIOUS plans to turn this newsagent in Burnham-On-Sea into a fish and chip takeaway have been approved by the district council this week despite opposition and concerns raised by several residents and members of the Town Council. More...

£25k boost for animal hospital
Exclusive: A FUNDRAISING campaign launched last week by East Huntspill's Secret World Wildlife Centre to build a new £4.4m animal hospital has been given a huge financial boost this week. The charity has been handed a £25,000 donation by a group linked to Pets At Home. More...

Chimney fire in East Huntspill
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews tackled a chimney fire at a property in East Huntspill on Wednesday evening (February 8th). One fire appliance from Burnham was sent to Church Lane at 7.16pm to reports of a chimney alight. Crews confirmed that a small fire was in the chimney. More...

Snow predicted for Burnham
SCENES like these could be repeated in Burnham-On-Sea over the next couple of days with forecasters predicting heavy snow. The Met Office has issued a 'yellow warning' of possibile snowfall across the region on Thursday night and Friday, as shown on the map. More...

Man air-lifted after A38 crash
A MOTORIST was air-lifted to hospital with serious injuries following a head-on crash which closed the A38 near Burnham-On-Sea today (Wednesday). The busy route through Brent Knoll was shut shortly after 2.30pm when a white van and a Land Rover collided, as pictured here. More...

£50k revamp for town theatre
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's Princess Theatre is to be given a £50,000 external overhaul this year as part of a major modernisation project. Town councillors in Burnham have approved a raft of improvements to the outside of the theatre, including urgent roof repairs. More...

Pupils crowned county champs
PUPILS at St Andrew’s School in Burnham-On-Sea are celebrating this week after winning Somerset's Aviva County Sports Hall Athletics Finals. The youngsters travelled to Strode on Monday (February 6th) where they competed against six other Somerset schools. More...

Wind farm debate heats up
A SERIES of meetings regarding the controversial plans for the Pilrow wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea will be held later this month by protesters and the developers of the scheme. Broadview Energy plans to build the four 130m tall turbines in Rooksbridge. More...

Curtain rises on panto fun
Photo Special: HILARIOUS entertainment is promised for those attending the 26th annual performance by Brean's Coastline Players. The award-winning drama group will be performing The Woman Who Lived In A Shoe in Brean Village Hall from Monday February 13th. More...

Fashion show attracts 150
OVER 150 bargain hunters flocked to King Alfred School in Highbridge on Tuesday evening (February 7th) for a popular fundraising fashion show. Organised by Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel Club, the fifth annual event was hailed a success. More...

Boy 'recovering' after accident
A PUPIL who was air-lifted to hospital on Monday (February 6th) after being injured in a sports accident at Highbridge's King Alfred School is making a good recovery. The boy is expected back at school by the end of the week, according to a County Council education spokesman. More...

Burnham man pleads guilty
A MAN has admitted making explosives found at a house in Beatty Way, Burnham-On-Sea in January. Philip Leonard, 36, pleaded guilty to four charges at a hearing, at Taunton Crown Court, and was remanded in custody.
More...

540 sign petition on bus cuts
Exclusive: HOPES of saving a popular Burnham and Highbridge bus service from the axe have been given a boost this week after hundreds of local people demanded the County Council re-think the plans. Cllr Chris Williams says 540 people have signed a petition. More...

Anger over roadworks misery
Exclusive: ANGRY motorists in Burnham-On-Sea have this week hit out at the county council for the long delays being caused by three major sets of roadworks going ahead at once. Commuters say better planning could have avoided the closure of Stoddens Road and roadworks in Love Lane and Berrow Road. More...

Residents boost for sea cadets
A GROUP of Burnham-On-Sea residents has this week delivered a cash boost to the town's Sea Cadets. Residents of Worston Lane handed over £100 to the group on Monday night (February 6th) after finding they had funds left over from their Royal street party. More...

Cove hosts pancake flipping!
A SPONSORED fancy dress pancake flipping event is to be held in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens later this month. The Friends of Marine Cove are holding the event on Shrove Tuesday (21st February) at 4pm when residents of all ages will be welcome to join in. More...

60 attend Royal celebration
OVER 60 people attended a special church service in Burnham-On-Sea on Monday (February 6th) to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne. St Andrew's Church held the service, which was accompanied by a peal of bells and a toast followed. More...

Pupil air-lifted from school
A PUPIL was air-lifted to hospital this afternoon (Monday, February 6th) after suffering injuries in an accident at Highbridge's King Alfred School. The Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance was called to the school at 1.30pm after a boy was injured in a sports accident. More...

Seasonal jobs offered at park
DOZENS of temporary jobs will be up for grabs at Burnham-On-Sea Holiday Village this Saturday (February 11th) when the park holds its annual recruitment day. The event will be held from 10am-4pm and will see vacancies being filled in a variety of roles for the summer season. More...

In photos: Carnival awards night
CARNIVAL clubs from across Somerset gathered together for the annual Highbridge and Burnham Carnival presentation ceremony on Saturday (February 4th). The event, held at Laburnum House in West Huntspill, saw over 40 trophies and cups handed out during the evening. More...

Royal accession service today
A CHURCH in Burnham-On-Sea will be marking the anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne with a special service today (Monday, February 6th). St Andrew's Church in Burnham will be holding the service at 12.30pm, accompanied by a peal of bells, to mark the occasion. More...

Centre fundraiser success
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised towards the ongoing refurbishment of Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre at the weekend when two successful fundraising events were held. A coffee morning was held in the building on Saturday and a comedy event followed on Sunday. More...

Man on explosives charges
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man will appear in court on Monday (February 6th) to face several explosives charges following the discovery of a number of chemicals at his home which caused the evacuation of dozens of residents. Philip Leonard, from Beatty Way, faces four charges of making explosive substances. More...

Car and ambulance in crash
Exclusive: THE occupants of this car were fortunate to avoid serious injuries after they slid off an icy road into a ditch near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday afternoon (February 4th) and an ambulance was also damaged while attending the crash scene in East Brent. More...

Fashion show this Tuesday
HUNDREDS of bargain hunters are expected to converge on King Alfred School in Highbridge this Tuesday (February 7th) when a popular annual fashion show and sale is held. The event is organised by Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club and Inner Wheel Club. More...

Royal accession to be marked
A CHURCH in Burnham-On-Sea will be marking the anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne with a special service on Monday (February 6th). St Andrew's Church in Burnham will be holding a brief service at 12.30pm, accompanied by a peal of bells. More...

Town MP attacks pop star
POP star Robbie Williams has come under fire from Burnham-On-Sea's MP after launching his own poker site. The Take That star was attacked by Tessa Munt, pictured, in the national press on Saturday (February 4th) after putting his name to the Robbie Williams Poker site. More...

Two vehicles in A38 accident
POLICE, fire and ambulance crews were called to a two vehicle accident on the A38 near Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Saturday, February 4th). Emergency serevices were called out at 12.04pm to the collision on the A38 at Rooksbridge, as pictured here. More...

In photos: Snow in Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea got a covering of snow on Saturday when a band of winter weather swept through the area. Light snow fell throughout the late morning and afternoon, giving a covering in many areas including the town's seafront and beach, as pictured here. More...

Sky TV show filmed on beach
Exclusive: A TV production crew from Sky 1's hit show Got To Dance filmed scenes on Burnham-On-Sea beach on Friday afternoon (February 3rd). Dance group The A-Team performed on the beach next to the jetty in front of the cameras and were then interviewed on the steps. More...

Snowfall possible later today
MOTORISTS in the Burnham-On-Sea area have been warned to expect icy road conditions today (Saturday) following temperatures of around -6C overnight and several centimetres of snowfall possible later today. A Met Office amber warning remains in place. More...

Students become managers!
PUPILS at Highbridge's King Alfred School have been picking up project management expertise during a unique series of maths classes this week. The Year 7 pupils were set the challenge of designing and costing a garage for a motorbike as part of their maths curriculum. More...

Join swim fundraiser tomorrow
BURNHAM-On-Sea Rotary Club is seeking last-minute volunteers to take part in a fundraising swimming event on Sunday. The Swimarathon is being staged at Brean Splash, starting at 9am, with the proceeds going to several local charities and good causes. More...

RNLI car wash postponed
A FUNDRAISING car wash due to be held at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station on Saturday (4th February) has been postponed due to the icy weather conditions. The car wash was due to be held at the lifeboat station in Pier Street, but will be held next Saturday instead. More...

Fire at Sanders Garden World
THREE fire crews were called to Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll this afternoon (Friday) after a small kitchen blaze. One fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea and two from Weston were sent to the garden centre at 12.45pm after the fire in a kitchen at the Brent Knoll centre. More...

Reaction to Scout leader verdict
FORMER Burnham-On-Sea Scout leader David Burland has been found guilty of 33 sexual offences against children. Mr Burland, 54, from Ramsay Way, was convicted on Friday afternoon (February 3rd) of carrying out the abuse over a 23-year period. The 33 offences related to three boys and a girl. More...

Residents oppose takeaway plans
Exclusive: THE town council has backed a group of residents objecting against plans to turn this newsagent in Burnham-On-Sea into a fish and chip takeaway. The owners of Avons Newsagents at 50 Oxford Street have submitted a formal application to change the use of the property. More...

Centre in fundraising weekend
THE Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre will be holding two events to raise cash towards the centre's ongoing refurbishment this weekend. They are holding a coffee morning with raffles and stalls on Saturday February 4th from 10am to 12 mid-day. More...

Dreamscheme finds sponsors
BURNHAM-On-Sea Dreamscheme has this week announced its first set of sponsors for 2012. Burnham solicitors Holley and Steer in Berrow Road have become the first sponsor for the group. On Thursday, members and leaders presented a certificate to staff from the firm. More...

Snow on way for Burnham
RESIDENTS in the Burnham-On-Sea area will see temperatures falling to -7°C over the next couple of nights, with several centimetres of snowfall predicted on Saturday. Met Office forecasters are warning temperatures will hover around 1°C for most of Friday. More...

Join push for faster broadband
A MAJOR project that aims to bring super-fast broadband Internet to Somerset is calling on Burnham-On-Sea residents to add their voices calling for the new technology. The group 'Connecting Devon and Somerset' has issued a call to arms to residents across the Burnham area. More...

Recycling facilities face axe
Exclusive: RECYCLING facilities in Berrow could soon be removed due to increasing concerns about fly-tipping and the mis-use of the bins. Berrow Parish Council has written to residents asking whether the recycling banks in the Triangle Car Park should go altogether. More...

Lifeguards rumours denied
Exclusive: SEDGEMOOR District says there is "no truth whatsoever" to rumours that it will be reducing funding for Burnham-On-Sea's lifeguards and beach wardens this summer. The council said on Wednesday that funding for lifeguards and beach wardens is unchanged. More...

Jubilee celebrations announced
FOUR days of celebrations are to be held in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge this June to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Town Council, local groups and residents have been working together for several months to compile a full diary of events over the extended holiday weekend from 2nd-5th June. More...

Politician to visit Highbridge
DANNY Alexander MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, will be visiting Highbridge this month. The politician will be attending a business breakfast at the Oaktree Arena on Friday 10th February when he will be meeting local business owners to discuss the economy. More...

Pier row - Appeal to council chief
Exclusive: THE owner of Burnham-On-Sea's pier has this week written to Sedgemoor District Council's Chief Executive in a bid to resolve her legal wrangle with the council over whether a conservatory on her forecourt should be demolished. The council has issued the pier with an Enforcement Notice. More...

Police investigate fuel theft
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have appealed for witnesses after a van driver stole almost £60 of fuel during a drive-off theft at a petrol station in the town earlier this week. The motorist sped off from Burnham's Esso station in Oxford Street without paying for the fuel on Monday. More...

New restaurant opens in town
A CAFE in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea has been given a new name and a new look. The Cottage Cafe in College Street has been given an overhaul and has re-opened as Baillies, a breakfast and brunch restaurant, offering a wide range of locally sourced produce. More...

Supper dance raises £400
MORE than £400 was raised for Berrow village hall funds when a successful supper dance was held on Saturday night (January 28th). Over 70 people attended the event, organised by Berrow Community Association, when local girl band Triple Vision entertained the audience. More...

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