January 2007 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

County cash boost for groups
GROUPS in Brean, Berrow and Brent Knoll have this week been handed a cash boost from Somerset County Council. Each County Councillor - including lan Ham (pictured) - is allocated £5,000 to promote and assist community activities in their local district area. More..

Police launch Apex safety push
DOG walkers in a Burnham-On-Sea park are this week being handed safety information kits by police following a series of indecent exposures in the area. PCSOs Gill Udall and Claire Chambers were handing out the free safety packs to female walkers at Apex on Wednesday. More...

Youth music event sells out
OVER 160 young people from across the Burnham-On-Sea area gathered in St John's Church, Highbridge to take part in a special 'Youth Makes Music' concert organised by the town's Rotary Club. The idea was to bring together local schools to promote music. More...

Gull feeding fines put on hold
PLANS to introduce £50 on-the-spot fines for holidyamakers and residents who feed seagulls along Burnham-On-Sea's seafront have been put on hold it was confirmed this week. Sedgemoor District Council was planning the fines in an effort to make the town's seafront cleaner. More...

400th anniversary of tsunami
A SUSPECTED tsunami in the Bristol Channel which killed 2,000 people and devastated Burnham-On-Sea 400 years ago on Tuesday (Jan 30th) is being remembered. According to historical records, the severe flooding occured on 30th January 1607. More...

Lucky escape for motorist
A CAR careered into a lampost, bringing down electricity cables in an accident at the Isleport Business Park in Highbridge on Monday afternoon (January 29th). Burnham police and fire teams were called to the tea-time crash, which closed the busy commuter route. More...

In Photos: Rotary Burns Night
BURNHAM-On-Sea Rotary Club members celebrated Burns Night in style with a special evening at the Batch Country Hotel at Lympsham. The popular event - held on January 25th - included haggis, bagpipes and even a few kilts as these special photos show! More...

Morley wins anniversary gift!
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man has been in the media spotlight this week after buying his wife an unusual wedding anniversary gift. Morley Howard, a regular contributor to Burnham-On-Sea.com's discussion forums, got something a little different after forgetting to buy anything. More...

Town artist to illustrate signs
BURNHAM-On-Sea artist Judith Champion has begun work on a series of new visitor maps which are set to be introduced on signs around the town. Burnham's regeneration partnership committee has just given the go-ahead to six new 'you are here' signs. More...

Poor catches for beach anglers
BITTERLY cold onshore winds failed to put off dozens of hardy anglers from taking part in a beach fishing competition in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (Jan 28th). Eighty anglers lined the water's edge for the six hour event, but only 15 reeled in any fish. More...

Four questioned after barn fire
FOUR youths were being questioned by police on Sunday evening (January 28th) following a suspicious fire at Berrow. Burnham-On-Sea police and fire crews rushed to Barton Road in the village after a barn besides the road was spotted on fire during Sunday afternoon. More...

Brean Rally 2007 Results & Photos
EXETER duo David Kynaston and Andy Russell raced away with the top prize at the 2007 Brean Rally on Sunday (January 28th) when they held onto their overnight lead to scoop the title. The pair won the 11th annual event in an Audi A3 Quattro. We have full results. More...

£2,900 boost from Race Night
A HUGE £2,900 was raised to help Burnham-On-Sea's ambulance station upgrade some of its specialist life-saving equipment during a special event held in the town on Saturday night (Jan 27th). Hundreds of supporters flocked to Lakeside in Westfield Road. More...

Officer injured as 30 youths clash
A BURNHAM-On-Sea police officer was injured when he tried to break up a fight involving 30 youths in the centre of town on Friday night (January 26th). As our exclusive photos show, the incident took place in Pier Street outside the town's Somerfield supermarket at 10.20pm. More...

Exeter team leads Brean Rally
AN Audi A3 Quattro, driven by David Kynaston and Andy Russell from Exeter, was the provisional leader of the 2007 Brean Rally at the end of the event's first day on Saturday (January 27th). Despite bitterly cold temperatures, large crowds of spectators turned out to watch. More..

Town MP clashes with Chancellor
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP David Heathcoat-Amory clashed with Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown in a House of Commons debate on Thursday (January 25th). Gordon Brown was accused of losing the equivalent of over $4.5billion by selling gold assets. More...

Police appeal after man attacked
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was robbed in Burnham-On-Sea late on Thursday night (January 25th). At around 11.30pm, a 49-year-old man was walking home when he was followed by two men through the car park of the Lighthouse pub on Highbridge Road (pictured). More...

£30k wind farm fight starts
Exclusive: A HUGE fundraising campaign has this week been launched by campaigners fighting to stop a wind farm being built on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea. Over 70 supporters of the Knoll To Wind Farm group filled Brent Knoll's parish hall to hear about the plans. More...

Water pressure fault hits town
THOUSANDS of homes across Burnham-On-Sea were left with low water pressure on Thursday morning (January 25th) after a technical fault in our area. Bristol Water spokeswoman Paul Kelson apologised for any inconvenience, and said the problem had occurred overnight. More...

Park's expansion turned down
DISTRICT planners have this week turned down a bid to construct 43 holiday homes at a leisure complex in Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea. Sedgemoor's Development Control Committee refused permission for the construction of 43 lodges on land south of Diamond Farm. More...

Three car accident on A38
POLICE, fire crews and paramedics rushed to a three-vehicle accident on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (January 24th). The accident occurred during the busy evening rush hour at 5.15pm on the A38 at Rooksbridge, near East Brent. More...

Hinkley 'safe from rising seas'
GLOBAL warming will not affect safety at Hinkley Point, near Burnham-On-Sea, according to a report published on Wednesday (Jan 24th) by owner British Energy. The Met Office was asked to investigate how climate change and rising sea levels might affect nuclear power plants. More...

Fire tackled at industrial unit
TWO fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea were called to a blaze at an industrial unit on the Walrow Industrial Estate in Highbridge on Wednesday morning (January 24th). Firefighters gained entry to the premises to find smoke billowing from an extractor unit. More...

Emma steps into TV spotlight
A RECOVERING anorexia sufferer from Burnham-On-Sea will be in the national spotlight in February when her fight to overcome the eating disorder is highlighted on a primetime ITV1 show. Emma Parish, 14, is overcoming the disorder with the help of a personal trainer at the Fit 4 All gym in Love Lane. More...

Lorry incident shuts M5 lane
POLICE closed one lane of the M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday evening (January 23rd) after a lorry shed its load of fence panels across the carriageway. The inside lane of the southbound carriageway at Burnham's junction 22 was closed at 7.45pm. More...

2007 Brean Rally ready to go!
FINAL preparations are underway for this weekend's 2007 Brean Rally, in which more than 85 teams are set to race around the tarmac at Brean Leisure Park. The popular annual rally - now in its 11th year - continues to attract the interest of top teams. More... | Video

Spar shuts Highbridge store
CONCERNS have been raised about the future of Highbridge's post office this week following the sudden closure of the Spar shop in which it is based. The shop in Church Street closed last week, but both the lottery terminal and post office are still open for business. More...

RNLI launches shop appeal
A NEW appeal fund has been launched this week to help raise cash towards the cost of buying a new shop for Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Supporters Group. The lease expired on the group's seafront shop at the end of 2006 and since then they have been searching for a new location. More...

Berrow homes win approval
DISTRICT planners have this week given the go-ahead for the construction of a housing and flats complex at Berrow, near Burnham-On-Sea. Sedgemoor's Development Control Committee gave delegated permission for the construction of a building to form eight one bed flats. More...

MP hits out after unitary vote
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP and the leader of Sedgemoor District Council spoke on Tuesday (January 23rd) about their disappointment at the decision by Somerset County Council to go ahead with plans to create one local authority and disband the districts. More...

Awards for St John cadets
HIGHBRIDGE St John Ambulance Cadets recently held their annual enrolment and presentation evening when several newcomers were welcomed and existing cadets received awards. Burnham-On-Sea.com has a full photo round-up of the evening and details of the winners. More...

Lap dancing given the go-ahead
CONTROVERSIAL plans to introduce adult dancing at a Burnham-On-Sea night club were given the go-ahead on Monday (January 22nd). A public hearing was held at Bridgwater Magistrates Court to finally decide whether Shakers could overturn the decision by Sedgemoor District Council to turn down its bid. More...

Brean Leisure Park reaches 60!
A FAMILY-run business in Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea, is celebrating its 60th anniversary this month. Holiday Resort Unity and Brean Leisure Park, owned by the House family, began life as a dairy farm and transformed itself into one of the largest holiday resorts in the south west. More...

Centre's spud weekend is a hit
HUNDREDS of visitors turned out to an event dedicated to the humble spud at Garden World in Somerset over the weekend (January 20th and 21st). More than a hundred potato varieties, one of the biggest collections in the south west, went on show alongside weird spud models. More...

Chalets destroyed in Brean fire
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews tackled a big blaze at Pontins holiday camp in Brean during the early hours of Monday (January 22nd). Four fire engines - two from Burnham and two from Weston - along with appliances from Bridgwater and Street were called out at 12.12am. More...

Councillors back unitary status
A MEETING of Somerset County Council has voted by 28 votes to 21 to go ahead with plans to create one local authority and disband the districts - including Sedgemoor, which oversees Burnham. A special meeting of the County Council was held on Monday (Jan 22nd). More...

Town arcade's design attacked
PLANS to extend Burnham-On-Sea's conservation area could have big implications for a seafront amusement arcade. Sunspot amusements has been singled out as being "out of character" and it is proposed that the arcade would benefit from a traditonal design. More...

Storms blew off roof at Brean
A BREAN resident is counting the cost of Thursday's storms after the roof of her log cabin was blown several hundred metres away, causing damage to the building and its contents. As pictured here, the 75mph winds took off the roof, leaving it two gardens away. More...

Regatta plans big expansion
Exclusive: THE UK's national water-skiing championships could return to Burnham-On-Sea for the first time in over 10 years after plans were unveiled this week to expand the town's annual sailing regatta. The event could be turned into a two or three-day event during August. More...

New look for High Street shop
A BURNHAM -On-Sea health and beauty shop has had a makeover and re-opened for customers on Saturday morning (January 20th). AS Watson, the owners of the UK-wide chain, announced earlier this month that 200 of its 424 stores in the UK are being rebranded. More...

Repairs begin after storms
A BIG repair operation got underway along Burnham's seafront on Friday (Janary 19th) after dozens of decorative illuminations were damaged during Thursday's 75mph storms. Almost half of the town's seafront illuminations were badly damaged during the gales. More...

Xmas lights boost for BARB
MORE than £1,900 has been handed over to BARB, the charity that runs Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercraft, by residents of Trinity Rise following a succesful month of fundraising over Christmas. Crowds of visitors flocked to the group's impressive display. More...

Clamping complaints increase
SEDGEMOOR District Council has this week issued advice to motorists about clamping in the Burnham-On-Sea area after a rise in complaints about clampers. The information comes after a jump in the number of complaints to police and the council during recent months. More...

Pool's future looking brighter
The future of Burnham-On-Sea's swimming pool is looking brighter after it was confirmed this week that four major companies are still in the running to operate a pool in the town. Four "significant companies" who operate pools for other local authorities are interested. More...

Man jailed for four years
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man convicted of sexually abusing two youngsters has been jailed for four years. Clive Lumber, 59, of Ashcott Drive, carried out "an appalling course" of abuse on a boy and girl 20 years ago, Bristol Crown Court (pictured) heard on Thursday. More...

Couple has big plans for hotel
THE new owners of a long-running seafront hotel in Burnham-On-Sea have this week pledged to restore it to its former heyday. Joanne and Graham Townley (pictured) aim to modernise the Royal Clarence hotel on Burnham's seafront - but keep its traditional character intact. More...

Storms give town a battering
FLAGS on the town's pier were wripped to shreds as Burnham-On-Sea bore the brunt of 75mph gales as they swept across the West Country early on Thursday (January 18th). The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for the region, advising of heavy downpours. More...

Town's business leaders gather
MORE than 25 Burnham-On-Sea traders gathered in the town's Ritz Social Club on Tuesday evening when the Chamber of Trade and Commerce gathered to discuss a number of 'hot topics'. These included plans for a unitary authority, tourism, and conservation. More...

Conservation plans unveiled
PROPOSALS to extend Burnham-On-Sea's Conservation Area were formally unveiled on Wednesday (January 17th) at a special meeting in the town. The man behind the plans - James White, Conservation Officer - received the backing of the council's Executive. More...

Eight arrested by town police
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have made eight arrests during a crackdown on those responsible for criminal damage in the town. Police officers and PCSOs have stepped up patrols during December and early January - and the results have been positive. More...

Rare bird spotted on seafront
BIRD watchers in Burnham-On-Sea are all a flutter after a rare Yellow-browed Warbler was spotted on the town's seafront at the southern end of The Esplanade. The bird appeared on the South Esplande, between Quantock Court and Burnham Holiday Village, during recent weeks. More...

Shopping study results unveiled
BURNHAM-On-Sea Chamber of Trade and Commerce has published the results of its shoppers feedback scheme. Launched online exclusively via Burnham-On-Sea.com, the Chamber sought shoppers' opinions about what would draw them back into the Town. More...

Police offer property marking
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will get another chance to deter thieves and get their property marked this weekend. On Saturday, January 20th, Burnham Library is hosting the latest in a series of property marking days between 9.30am and 1pm. More...

Call for vote on unitary status
THE leader of Sedgemoor District Council has this week urged the political leaders of Somerset County Council to have a 'free vote' at the conclusion of their crucial debate on Monday 22nd January. Councillors will be deciding on single unitary authority status. More...

2007 Brean Rally ready to roar
Eighty six rally teams are set to take part in this month's 2007 Brean Stages Rally when it roars back into action on January 27th and 28th. We were given a first look at the competitors on Monday (January 15th) when scores of drivers took part in a special preview day at Brean Leisure Park. More...

Football club rises from the ashes
WORK to rebuild Berrow Football Club's pavilion following a devastating fire in 2005 is well underway and on target to be completed in April, we can reveal. The club launched a huge fundraising campaign after fire damaged the building in November 2005. More...

Urgent jetty repairs get started
THIS was the scene on Burnham-On-Sea's storm-damaged jetty on Monday (January 15th) as urgent repairs got underway following further damage to the landmark over the weekend. Workers used diggers and trucks to remove large chunks of loose tarmac at the end of the jetty. More...

Further storm damage to jetty
BURNHAM-On-Sea's storm-damaged jetty suffered further erosion on Saturday night (January 13th) when gales and waves ripped up further chunks of tarmac, as pictured here. The structure is currently closed due to its dangerous condition and a project to repair the landmark is currently underway. More...

Injured swan rescued by crew
BURNHAM-On-Sea's inshore lifeboat crew were back in action on Sunday afternoon (January 14th) to help in the rescue of an injured swan on the River Parrett at Pawlett. The bird had been reported in a distressed state to Highbridge-based Secret World Wildlife Centre. More...

Festival marks its 60th year
THIS year's 60th anniversary of Highbridge Festival Of The Arts has been celebrated with the publication of a special souvenir brochure recounting the history of the event. The 40-page publication looks at the festival's many highs and lows since 1947. More...

School group holds quiz night
HIGHBRIDGE'S King Alfred School Association is preparing to hold a Quiz Night later this month when all will be welcome. The fundraiser will be held on Friday 26th January from 7.30pm in the school's cafeteria. Tickets go on sale for the event this week. More...

Delight for Callum's family
A DISABLED boy from Burnham-On-Sea was celebrating this week after building work to provide him much-needed specialised facilities was completed. Seven-year-old Callum Mackman, who suffers from cerebral palsy, cannot complete everyday tasks. More...

Pub unveils expansion plans
PLANS by a Burnham-On-Sea pub to revamp its premises are set to be discussed by town councillors next week. The plans for a decking area outside the pub in the High Street and various internal alterations will go before the planning committee on January 16th. More...

Second webcam is launched
BURNHAM-On-Sea.com has linked up with Burnham's Yacht Club to launch a new webcam providing live 24-hour photos of the club's boat yard and southern end of The Esplanade. The new service joins Burnham-On-Sea.com's highly popular seafront webcam. More...

Quiz nights to benefit BARB
BARB, the charity that runs Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercraft, is to benefit from a series of quiz nights being held at a pub in the town. The life-saving service will benefit from the weekly Sunday night quiz nights being held at The Reed's Arms from January 21st. More...

Comet spotted by astronomer
ONE of the brightest comets for more than 30 years has been spotted on two nights this week by a local astronomer near Burnham-On-Sea. Colonel Greg Dye-Hodge Beardsley captured an image of the McNaught Comet from Steart Point opposite Burnham on Thursday. More...

Two boats damaged in storms
TWO boats in the River Brue at Burnham-On-Sea were damaged when 70mph winds broke them free from their moorings on Thursday (Jan 11th). Heavy gales swept the area and Burnham Sailing Club Commodore Terry Moul said two boats suffered some damage. More...

Seafront toilets set to re-open
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront toilets are set to be officially re-opened next week after a major revamp. Sedgemoor District Council has just finished refurbishing the public conveniences on Burnham seafront at a cost of £82,000 and they will be opened on Wednesday Jan 17th. More...

Town 'store wars' step up gear
BURNHAM-On-Sea's 'store wars' stepped up a gear this week when the town's Tesco supermarket unveiled plans to revamp its Love Lane store. With the opening of Highbridge's huge Asda store now just months away, Tesco said it would be refurbishing its store. More...

Speedway scheme back for '07
BURNHAM-On-Sea's speedway team, The Somerset Rebels, have this week announced that its successful 'Speedway In The Community' scheme is to continue during 2007. The scheme sees a local community group attending a match and having a trip behind the scenes. More...

£600 raised for quake victims
HUNDREDS of pounds has been raised for victims of the recent earthquake in the Philippines by Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club members. Several Rotarians spent the New Year weekend collecting at Sanders Garden World, where they raised £600. More...

Cow killed in A38 road crash
A MOTORIST was left in shock after her car collided with a cow, closing a busy Burnham-On-Sea road on Tuesday night (January 9th). Police closed the A38 at Edithmead after the dark coloured Volvo collided with the animal at the junction of Burnham Moor Lane at 7.55pm. More...

Lap dancing decision nears
CONTROVERSIAL plans to introduce lap dancing and extended late night opening hours at a Burnham-On-Sea night club could be given the go-ahead later this month. A public hearing will be held at Bridgwater Magistrates Court on January 22nd to finally decide. More...

Kids tune up for Rotary event
SCHOOL children from across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will be coming together later this month to take part in a big music event being organised by the town's Rotary Club. St Mark's Church in Highbridge will host the first 'Youth Makes Music' event on January 22nd. More...

Seafront lights off until April
BURNHAM-On-Sea's decorative seafront lights have this week been switched off until the start of the Spring holiday season. The 43 lights were turned on along The Esplanade during the Christmas period to complement the decorations along the High Street during December. More...