July 2007 Burnham-On-Sea News

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Busy night for lifeboat crew
BURNHAM-On-Sea's lifeboat crew had a busy evening on Tuesday (July 31st) when they helped this speedboat after its engine failed and also responded to a call requesting help to retrieve a dog in difficulties. The Burnham-On-Sea's D-Class lifeboat was called. More...

Hovercraft rescues trapped family
A FAMILY of three stranded in mud onboard a fishing boat at Brean was rescued by Burnham-on-Sea's hovercraft on Tuesday afternoon (July 31st). BARB, the charity that runs the hovercraft service, was scrambled at 2pm to help the family of three - all from Stoke-on-Trent. More...

Four arrested over car crimes
THIS was the scene in the centre of Brean on Monday (July 30th) after Burnham-On-Sea police arrested four people following a spate of vehicle crimes in the resort. Police made the arrests after several incidents at Warren Farm and the Pontins holiday centre. More...

TV role for funeral director!
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea funeral director is set to appear on a BBC TV daytime quiz show hosted by Donny Osmond during August. Jane Macpherson, who is Parish Administrator at St Andrew's Church, and Burnham's only qualified female funeral director. More...

Pooches on parade in town
DOZENS of Burnham-On-Sea pooches stepped into the spotlight on Sunday (July 29th) when a popular annual dog show was held in the town. Crowds of pet owners and spectators attended the event in the town's Manor Gardens, which was held for a Carnival Club. More...

£110,000 boost for town park?
A £110,000 play area could be introduced at Highbridge's Apex Park if money is earmarked for the project by Sedgemoor District Council later this week. The council's Executive committee is to meet on Wednesday (August 1st) to discuss whether to proceed. More...

Anger over statue vandalism
Exclusive: VANDALS have launched a 'senseless' paint attack on an historic statue in Highbridge built to commemorate the life-saving work of the town's World War II hero Frank Foley. Green spray paint has been daubed over the head of Mr Foley this weekend outside the Community Hall. More...

Giant town mural takes shape!
A COLOURFUL mural featuring various scenes and activities in Burnham-On-Sea was created by residents during a mass painting session during the town's regatta on Sunday (July 29th). The event was organised by Burnham and Highbridge Youth Town Council. More...

Two yachts retire in windy race
STRONG winds and stormy seas led to two yachts retiring during the first main sailing race of this year's Burnham-On-Sea Regatta on Sunday (July 29th). Despite the challenging conditions, a flotilla of thirteen yachts set sail in Bridgwater Bay for the annual event. More...

Pool clean-up is completed
WORK to remove tonnes of sand from inside Burnham-On-Sea's beach paddling pool got underway on Sunday morning (July 29th) in time for the busy holiday season. Sedgemoor District Council, which owns the structure, called in workmen to empty the concrete pool. More...

Local firms bid for TV award
THE owners of two local businesses are counting on your vote to win a nationwide food award. Seafoods on Burnham-On-Sea's High Street and the Pack Horse Inn at Mark have both been nominated in the 2007 UKTV Food Awards, which seek to find the UK's food 'heroes'. More...

Colourful start to regatta
BURNHAM-On-Sea's nine-day Regatta kicked off on Saturday (July 28th) with a colourful fancy dress tender race, a Caribbean-themed beach party and a continental street market. Fourteen boats made their way from the town's jetty to the Sailing Club in the River Brue during the first event. More... | Gallery

Burnham Regatta gets underway
AFTER months of planning, Burnham-On-Sea's Regatta organisers John Clist and Terry Moul are looking forward to a busy nine-days as the event gets underway on Saturday July 28th. John Clist and Terry Moul, pictured, were making final preparations for the event on Friday when the Sailing Club, RNLI and BARB. More...

Man injured in seafront crash
A 54-year-old Burnham-On-Sea man was taken to hospital with suspected neck injuries after being involved in an accident on the town's seafront early on Friday morning (July 27th). The driver of a white Astra collided with a 4x4 vehicle after coming off the town's jetty. More...

In Photos: Firewalk at Brean
FUNDRAISERS at Brean were all fired up on Friday night (July 27th) when they took part in a sponsored fire walk to raise money for a charity based near Burnham-On-Sea. Fifteen brave volunteers stepped forward to take part in the walk across 20ft of hot coals. More... | Video

Round tower demolished
WORK to demolish a familiar landmark in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea was completed on Friday (July 28th) when the well-known round tower at the site was brought to the ground. Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report earlier this week how Tuckers Garage in Victoria Street was being razed to the ground. More...

Coastguards return from floods
A TEAM of Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards who have been providing much-needed water supplies to flood-affected communities in Gloucestershire described their 'humbling experience' when they returned to the town late on Thursday (July 26th). Six Coastguards from Burnham have been delivering water. More...

Date set for lights switch-on
BURNHAM-On-Sea's new seafront illuminations are to be officially switched on at a ceremony during next week's regatta celebrations. The new lights have been installed along The Esplanade in time for the special switch-on, to be held at 9pm on Friday August 3rd. More...

Beach search for missing man
COASTGUARDS were called out in the early hours of Friday (July 27th) to hunt for a missing person in Burnham-On-Sea. The 22-year-old man had not returned home by 4.30am, so a friend dialled 999 to alert Coastguards, who in turn launched a beach search. More...

'Round tower cannot be saved'
WORK to demolish a familiar landmark in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea continued on Thursday (July 26th) and the well-known round tower at the site will soon fall too. Tuckers Garage in Victoria Street is being razed to the ground to make way for new flats. More...

Police called to street brawl
POLICE are investigating a street brawl which occurred in the centre of Highbridge this week. The incident occurred just before 9.30am on Tuesday morning when two youths in their late teens were seen fighting in Church Street, near the entrance to Foster Court. More...

Police probe spate of break-ins
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police are hunting for a burglar who broke into three flats in the town within just a few minutes earlier this week. Burnham-On-Sea.com learns the spate of early morning break-ins occurred at flats in Chichester Close (pictured), near to the town's Manor Gardens. More...

In Photos: Cheggers in Brean!
TV personality Keith Chegwin was in Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Thursday morning (July 26th) when GMTV broadcasted live from the resort's Pontins holiday centre. The actor, commonly known as 'Cheggers', filmed a series of breakfast time segments. More...

MP welcomes unitary decision
THE government has rejected Somerset County Council's plans to create a single unitary authority and abolish Sedgemoor District Council, which oversees Burnham. The Department for Communities and Local Government confirmed the news on Wednesday (July 25th). More...

Coastguards join flood relief work
A team of Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards has been called to Gloucestershire to help with flood relief work in the county. A team of four Coastguards from the town has been tasked with helping to distribute water and other vital supplies to stranded residents in outlying areas. More...

End of era at former garage
WORK to demolish a familiar landmark in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea got underway on Tuesday (July 24th). Tuckers Garage in Victoria Street is being razed to the ground to make way for a brand new development of flats as part of the town's Civic Quarter. More...

Fire in Highbridge car park
THIS was the scene in a Highbridge car park on Tuesday evening (July 24th) when vandals set fire to a set of large recycling waste bins. A team of Burnham-On-Sea firefighters was called to the Bank Street Car Park in the centre of town the at 6.30pm on the evening. More...

Burnham Regatta preview
FINAL preparations for the inaugural Burnham-On-Sea Regatta are in full swing, with the event set to get underway on Saturday (July 28th). A continental Market will be set up along the South Esplanade for the first three days of the Regatta, marking the start of many fun events and activities. More...

Police hold Web safety event
PARENTS in Burnham-On-Sea are being invited to a police safety awareness evening later this week focussing on childrens' Internet safety. The event - which will take place this Thursday, July 26th, from 7pm-8pm in the Princess Hall - will see presentations given by police. More...

Regatta treasure hunt in town
OVER 25 shops and businesses across Burnham-On-Sea will be displaying cryptic clues as part of a special treasure hunt organised by the town's Chamber of Trade to coincide with the town's regatta, which gets underway this weekend. A prize of £100 is available. More...

Have your say on new homes
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge residents are this week being invited to give their views on potential locations for hundreds of new homes and jobs in the two towns. Leaflets are being distributed to all households this week to give residents a chance to have their say. More...

Council hits out at sign blitz
HOUSE developer Barratt has angered Burnham-On-Sea councillors this week by installing 23 advertising signs along a three mile stretch of road on the outskirts of the town. The company has put up the bright yellow signs to promote a new Highbridge development. More...

Carnival group's £3,000 target
A BURNHAM-On-Sea carnival club has begun a £3,000 fundraising campaign to raise enough cash to buy a new tractor to tow its float. Members of Hillview Carnival Club were at Somerfield supermarket in Burnham over the weekend to enourage donations. More...

Beach yacht left high and dry!
WALKERS on Burnham-On-Sea beach were reassured by lifeguards that there was no need for concern after a yacht ran aground on the town's beach at the weekend, as pictured. This was the unusual scene near the pier when the 15ft yacht 'Festina' was left high and dry. More...

School celebrates 50th year
OVER 200 former pupils and staff from Highbridge's King Alfred School gathered together to celebrate its 50th anniversary this week. The school organised a special open evening on Thursday (July 19th) which included a nostalgic look back at its history. More...

MP calls for new flooding study
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, has called on the Environment Agency to carry out a survey on the town's vulnerability to flooding in the light of current flooding in the West Country. He issued a statement on Monday (July 23rd) amid local concerns. More...

Tourists tell of nightmare trips
BURNHAM-On-Sea holidaymakers Donna Thickett and Adam Ball have recounted how they were forced to spend Friday night in their car on the M5 motorway after severe flooding shut the route and led to their trip from Birmingham taking a mammoth FIFTEEN hours. More...

Musical show wows crowds
AN EVENING of foot-tapping Broadway musical entertainment drew a capacity crowd to Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Hall on Saturday (July 21st). Curtain Call School of Performing Arts performed its annual summer show, 'Broadway and Beyond', to a big audience. More...

Stranded boat towed to shore
A STRANDED speedboat was towed to shore by Burnham-On-Sea's lifeboat crew on Sunday morning (July 22nd) after its engine failed. Burnham-On-Sea's Staines Whitfield lifeboat crew was called to the scene during one of their regular training sessions. More...

Fire crew rushes to sailing club
A BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crew rushed to the town's Sailing Club on Saturday evening (July 22nd) after smoke was spotted around the building. Fightfighters were on scene at around 5.45pm and extinguished a small fire in the boat yard with a singe hose reel. More...

Concert beats the rain... just!
TORRENTIAL rain during Burnham's annual Under A Summer Moon concert hit crowd numbers and led to two groups not performing on Saturday evening (July 21st). But the spirits of the 300 people who braved the wet conditions were not dampened. More... | Photo gallery

Burnham MP backs Berrow road campaign
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP is backing a £250,000 campaign by residents at Berrow to get pavements introduced along a dangerous stretch of road. David Heathcoat-Amory was in Berrow on Saturday (July 21st) to hear residents' concerns about the stretch of Coast Road at Berrow. More... | Video

Harry Potter is a hit in Burnham!
HARRY Potter fans in Burnham-On-Sea bought up a shop's whole supply of the seventh and final installment in just four hours! Book shop GW Hurleys on Burnham-On-Sea High Street sold out of its full allocation of 50 copies by 1pm on Saturday lunchtime (July 21st). More...

Sea defences study begins
BURNHAM-On-Sea's changing coastal defences were under scrutiny this week when a survey team visited the town. The survey boat run by the Channel Coast Observatory spent several days monitoring the seabed and shoreline around Stert and the entrance to the River Brue. More...

BBC shines spotlight on town
WELL-known names from across Burnham-On-Sea took part in a special three-hour radio programme on BBC Somerset Sound on Friday, July 20th. BBC Somerset's mobile broadcasting bus was parked on the town's seafront to transmit a live show about the town. More...

Soggy start to school holidays
SOGGY campers Michelle Stephens and Ian Tawney were among hundreds of holidaymakers arriving in Burnham and Brean on Friday (July 20th) as the school holidays got off to an unseasonally wet start. These were the scenes at Warren Farm Holiday Centre. More...

Tourist trade down 8% in town
Exclusive: POOR summer weather has hit the number of tourists visiting Burnham-On-Sea, according to a new survey by Sedgemoor Tourism Association. The group's survey of its members found the number of visitors is down by an average of eight per cent year on year. More...

New RNLI shop opens in town
AFTER a lengthy period of research, negotiation and planning, Burnham-On-Sea's RNLI shop has re-opened in a log-cabin style building at the entrance to the existing lifeboat station. RNLI Supporters Group Chairman Jendy Weekes said: "We have worked hard." More...

Gannet freed at Brean Down
THIS unusual visitor to Brean was released into the wild by animal rescuers on Thursday (July 19th) after being found on the beach in an exhausted state. A Beach Warden came across the fully-grown Gannet on the sands last week after it had been blown off course. More...

New fears over Hinkley Point
CAMPAIGNERS from the Stop Hinkley group claim a new medical study about childhood leukaemia shows there is a 23 percent increase in the disease around nuclear power stations, including Hinkley Point near Burnham. The work is by a US Medical University. More...

Historic ship sails by Burnham
WALKERS along Burnham-On-Sea's Esplanade were treated to a glimpse of the historic 50 year-old ship Balmoral as it glided past the town on Thursday morning (July 19th). The Balmoral was on its annual trip up the River Parrett to Dunball, near Bridgwater, on an excursion. More...

250 jobs on offer at Asda shop
Exclusive: SUPERMARKET giant Asda has opened a dedicated recruitment shop in Highbridge as it ramps up its recruitment campaign in the town. Burnham-On-Sea.com revealed last week how hundreds of jobs are up for grabs at the new store and this week the giant opened a dedicated job shop. More...

Green flag award for Apex Park
HIGHBRIDGE'S Apex Leisure and Wildlife Park has been awarded a sought-after 2007 Green Flag Award for the first time. The results of this year's Green Flag Awards were announced on Wednesday (July 18th) by Parks Minister Baroness Andrews - and it was good news for our area. More...

Stunt show thrills the crowds!
LARGE crowds turned out to watch an evening of thrills and spills at Brean Leisure Park on Wednesday (July 18th) at the start of a seven week run for a popular stunt show. The 90-minute Scott May's Daredevil Stunt Show will be held every Wednesday until August 29th. More...

Terrifying burglary for family
DETECTIVES in Burnham-On-Sea are appealing for witnesses and information after a horrifying aggravated burglary in Highbridge this week. Police told Burnham-On-Sea.com that at around 1.30am on Tuesday (July 17th), four unknown men entered the property. More...

Regeneration plans unveiled
Exclusive: MULTI-million pound plans to regenerate Burnham-On-Sea's town centre took a major step forward on Tuesday evening (July 17th) when the firm of architects who will design the plans was unveiled for the first time. Over 100 traders and local residents filled the Town Council Chambers. More...

MP takes unitary fight to city
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, met with Local Government Minister John Healey on Monday (July 16th) to protest at plans to abolish Sedgemoor District Council and four other district councils and create a single large Unitary Council. More...

Pets invited into the pews!
CHURCHGOERS in East Huntspill are being invited to bring along their pets to a service in the village this weekend. A pet service will take place at All Saints Church this Sunday (July 22nd) from 2.30pm when Reverned Walsh will lead the open-air service. More...

Thieves target cash and carry
POLICE are appealing for information after thieves stole several thousand pounds of goods from a cash and carry in Highbridge. Burnham police said on Monday that the theft at AJ's Cash and Carry happened overnight between Tuesday July 10th and Wednesday July 11th. More...

In photos: Edithmead flower show
A PICTURESQUE church on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea opened its doors to the public at the weekend for a two-day flower show. Edithmead Church was decorated with scores of colourful flower arrangements and blooms made by local residents. More...

Kiter injured in beach accident
A KITER was rushed to hospital with serious head injuries after being injured in a freak accident on Brean beach on Monday evening (July 16th). The man - who is believed to be in his 40s - was flying a professional kite on the sands close to Brean Down. More...

Austin Ten group visits town
MEMBERS of the Somerset and South West Austin Ten Drivers' Club pulled up onto Burnham-On-Sea's Esplanade on Sunday (July 15th) during one of the group's runs. The motorists met at Cheddar before travelling to Burnham and then on to West Huntspill. More...

Man arrested over shop vandalism
A MAN has been arrested in Burnham-On-Sea after a shop in the town was vandalised at the weekend. The Wheatley Clinic in College Street was attacked in the early hours of Saturday July 14th, causing over £1,500 of damage. Owner Liz Wheatley told Burnham-On-Sea.com about the incident. More...

Students given taste of RNLI
TWO Highbridge students have been getting a taste of what life as crew members of the RNLI during their Duke of Edinburgh award training. Adam Brownlow and Matt Lewis, both from King Alfred School, are training for a Bronze 'D of E' award and contacted Burnham RNLI. More...

Town fire crews called to flat
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews rushed to a block of flats in the town on Monday morning (July 16th). Two fire engines were sent to Chichester Close, near the Manor Gardens, at 9.40am after smoke was spotted coming out of an elderly woman's flat and a warden raised the alarm. More...

Picnic In Park beats the rain!
UMBRELLAS and waterproofs were out in force when Burnham-On-Sea's annual Picnic In The Park went ahead on Sunday afternoon (July 15th). Heavy rain and a gloomy forecast had put the event in doubt, but hardy music fans still flocked to the town's Manor Gardens. More...

River kayakers cause alarm
CONCERN for two kayakers seen paddling in the mouth of the River Parrett prompted a call-out for Burnham Coastguards on Sunday evening (July 15th). The kayakers had been seen leaving Burnham jetty at 5pm, but minutes appeared to be swept upstream on the incoming tide. More...

Big week for regeneration plans
MULTI-million pound plans to regenerate Burnham-On-Sea will be in the spotlight this week when the consultancy firm set to take forward the plans is expected to be named. Bosses from the Burnham-On-Sea Regeneration Partnership interviewed representatives from each of the three firms. More...

Hovercraft gets wedding role!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's hovercraft was at the centre of a special wedding celebration on Saturday (July 14th) when two long-time BARB figures tied the knot. Pete Emery, who is Hovercraft Operations Manager, and wife Dee, a long-time fundraiser, were blessed. More...

Berrow fayre pulls in crowds
MAJORETTES, dancers and bands entertained the crowds at Berrow's annual summer fayre on Saturday (July 14th). Several hundred spectators flocked to the event at the village's Red Road Playing Field to see a wide variety of stalls and entertainment. More...

Injured man taken to hospital
A MAN was taken to hospital on Saturday evening (July 14th) after suffering a serious back injury at Burnham-On-Sea Sailing Club. An ambulance and a fast response paramedic crew were called to the club on the Esplanade, pictured, at around 7.30pm. More...

'Cheggers' ready to visit Brean
TV personality Keith Chegwin is to visit Brean later this month when GMTV broadcasts a series of features from seaside resorts around the country. The actor, most commonly called 'Cheggers', will be at Pontins in Coat Road on July 26th to film a series of campsite segments. More...

'Bloom' award judges visit Burnham
JUDGES from the annual Britain in Bloom competition visited Burnham-On-Sea this week and organisers hope the date of their visit, Friday the 13th, will prove to be a lucky omen of how the town fares in this year's event! Organisers Dave Perrett and Richard Young have high hopes that the town will do well. More...

BBC in town for live radio show
BBC Somerset Sound will be broadcasting live from Burnham-On-Sea on Friday (July 20th) when its mobile studio comes to town, and organisers are searching for guests to interview. The BBC Somerset Bus will be used to transmit the live three-hour show from 9am. More...

Dog owners blamed for street flood
CARELESS dog owners were this week blamed for causing flooding along a road near Burnham-On-Sea. Concerned residents living in Alstone Road called out environmental health inspectors from Somerset County Council to investigate why their street's drains had become blocked. More...

Tourism bosses celebrate 21st
DOZENS of tourism bosses from Burnham-On-Sea and the surrounding area celebrated the 21st anniversary of Sedgemoor Tourism Association at a special event this week. More than 70 members gathered at Batch Country Hotel at Lympsham for the black tie ball. More...

Coastguards called to swimmer
BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards were called to the town's beach at 7.30am on Friday (July 13th) amid concern for a fully clothed swimmer in Bridgwater Bay. The man, in his 30s, was reported to be in a distressed state by several seafront walkers. He had been seen neck-deep. More...

Red Road closure delayed
THE closure of a busy country road at Berrow, near Burnham-On-Sea, is has been postponed until September. Red Road was due to shut from Monday July 2nd for a week to allow Somerset County Council's highways team to carry out earthworks and road strengthening. More...

Police link cash machine thefts
POLICE are linking this week's armed raid on a Burnham-On-Sea newsagent with four other similar incidents across Somerset involving cash machines. Police confirmed on Thursday (July 12th) that another incident had happened at Somerfields in Highbridge in June. More...

Asda gives brings jobs boost to town
Highbridge's forthcoming Asda supermarket has this week begun a huge recruitment drive to fill more than 100 vacancies at the store. The jobs boost will come when the huge brand new 40,000 square foot store in Springfield Road in the centre of Highbridge opens this November. More...

Bloom judges visit Burnham
JUDGES from the annual Britain in Bloom competition will be visiting Burnham-On-Sea this week as they assess the town's entry into this year's event. Scores of hanging baskets have been hung along the town's High Street and organisers have been checking flowers. More...

10th Picnic In Park this Sunday
BURNHAM-On-Sea's 10th annual Picnic In The Park is set to be held in the town's Manor Gardens this Sunday, July 15th. An entertaining range of jazz groups and other live music has been lined up for the popular event, which runs in the town from 1-5pm. More...

£50k hospice appeal launched
A BURNHAM-On-Sea medical charity has this week launched a major new fundraising campaign to buy equipment for a Somerset hospice. The Burnham Community Medical Equipment Fund aims to raise a huge £50,000 towards the cost of buying essential equipment. More...

Lighting row at historic terrace
Exclusive: Residents living along an historic Highbridge terrace could soon be left in the dark because of a dispute over who should fund the cost of street lighting along the road. Walrow Terrace is at the centre of heated discussions between Somerset County Council and Burnham Town Council. More...

Jet skier helped back to shore
A STRUGGLING jet skier was helped back to shore in Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday afternoon (July 10th) after his craft flipped over in the middle of Bridgwater Bay, leaving him dazed. Beach wardens were about to alert Coastguards when a friend of the man waded into the bay. More...

Woman died after overdose
A 21-year-old Burnham-On-Sea woman who 'had the world to live for' died after a tragic accident, a coroner's court was told on Tuesday (July 10th). Parents Kevin and Hayley Ford paid tribute to their daughter Callie at an inquest into her sudden death. More...

Hit-and-run robbery at shop
HIT-and-run robbers brandished a machete after driving their vehicle into a Burnham-On-Sea shopfront and speeding away with a cash machine containing hundreds of pounds in an early morning attack on Monday (July 9th). David Burton, owner of Avon News, told Burnham-On-Sea.com about the attack. More...

999 sevices gather in town
EMERGENCY services from across Somerset are to hold a joint safety awareness day in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday August 4th, giving the public an opportunity to find out more about their life-saving work and meet their crews. 'ESCAPE Day' will be held on Burnham seafront. More...

Broadway comes to Burnham
A BURNHAM-On-Sea drama group is to perform an evening of foot-tapping Broadway musical entertainment later this month. Curtain Call School of Performing Arts is in the final stages of rehearsals for its annual summer show, which will be held on 21st July in Burnham. More...

Blaze a trail for local charity!
DARING local people with a burning ambition to give firewalking a try are being sought by a local charity. Secret World Wildlife Rescue has a few final spaces available for its Fire and Glass Walking Challenge, which will take place at Brean Leisure Park on 27th July. More...

150 pupils take part in concert
MORE than 150 schoolchildren from across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge took part in a special end-of-term concert of orchestral music, drama and dance on Monday evening (July 9th) at King Alfred School Hall. The event continues on Tuesday evening (July 10th). More...

Drink driver held after crash
A MOTORIST was arrested in Burnham-On-Sea early on Sunday morning (July 8th) after his vehicle careered off the road, toppling a telegraph pole and partly demolishing a garden wall. Officers rushed to Ashcott Drive at 2.21am after the accident involving a BMW. More...

Xmas arrives 7 months late!
Exclusive: A box of chocolates which was sent to a Burnham-On-Sea business last December as a Christmas present has just been delivered... almost seven months late! Staff at Shickle Shoes could hardly believe their eyes when the chocs were delivered on Friday (July 6th). More...

Fire drama at amusement arcade
THIS was the scene on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront on Sunday evening (July 8th) after a fire broke out at an amusement arcade. Two Burnham fire crews rushed to Sunspot Amusements on the corner of Pier Street at 5.59pm after flames were spotted coming from an electronic sign at the premises. More...

Porpoise washed up on beach
THE body of a young porpoise has been washed up on Burnham-On-Sea's beach. The town's lifeboat crew made the gruesome discovery on the sands to the south of the town's jetty at 9.30am on Sunday morning (July 8th) as they launched on training. More...

In photos: King Alfred School Fete
HUNDREDS of local people flocked to King Alfred School in Highbridge on Sunday afternoon (July 8th) for its annual summer fete. Several heavy rain showers failed to deter supporters from attending the popular event, which is expected to have raised hundreds of pounds. More...

Boost for jetty repair hopes
Exclusive: A CAMPAIGN to gain funding to repair Burnham-On-Sea's 150-year-old jetty has this week been given a major boost. Burnham-On-Sea.com reported in January how winter storms had damaged the structure and in June, the jetty was excluded from new conservation plans. More...

Strong winds batter Burnham
STRONG 60mph winds caused hundreds of pounds of damage in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday morning (July 6th). Glass screens outside the pier's cafe were smashed, as pictured here, sending shards of broken glass across pavements in the area. The storms are part of this summer's unseasonal weather. More...

It's all change at Rotary Club
BURNHAM-On-Sea Rotary Club has this week welcomed two new presidents to its group. Colin Durston, a farmer from Mark, takes over from outgoing President Mike Young, under whose leadership the Club has had a very successful year and events and fundraising. More...

Police probe 'bullet' incident
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police began an investigation this week into how a boat at the town's Sailing Club was damaged by what appeared to be an air rifle bullet. The small hole pictured here was left in the toughened glass window of a charter fishing boat. More...

Pensioner robbed of savings
AN 87-year-old pensioner near Burnham-On-Sea was robbed of a large amount of her savings on Wednesday (July 4th) when distraction thieves struck at her home. Burnham police are warning residents to be on their guard after the incident in West Huntspill. More...

Country music star visits town
TOP country and western singer George Hamilton IV - who used to tour with Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers - was the VIP guest at a special concert in a Burnham-On-Sea church on Wednesday evening (July 4th). The Baptist Church was the site for the event. More...

Rain cancels town vehicle fair
THIS week's bad weather has forced organisers of a Burnham-On-Sea vintage vehicle show to cancel their event. The Sedgemoor Vintage Show had been due to be held this weekend at the BASC Ground, but organisers called off the event on Wednesday after further rain. More...

Appeal after rare bike stolen
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea are appealing for information after a rare bicycle was stolen from a private address in the town. The blue coloured Kona Stab Deluxe bicycle, valued at £4,000, was stolen from an address in Highbridge Road on Sunday July 1st. More...

220 Scouts gather on beach!
OVER 220 Scouts from across Sedgemoor crowded onto Burnham-On-Sea beach on Tuesday (July 3rd) to take part in a mass sandcastle building competition. The theme for the annual contest was '100' because this year is the centenary of scouting. More... | Photos

Roundabout works are delayed
WORK to construct a new roundabout in Highbridge is behind schedule, leading to confirmation this week that a disruptive road closure will be in place until the end of August. Somerset County Council had expected the work, on behalf of Asda, to finish at the of July. More...

Shelters get £21,000 makeover
A £21,000 project to repair shelters along Burnham-On-Sea's Esplanade has started this week. Sedgemoor District Council is removing old and rotten wood, and replacing it with hard-wearing, weather-resistant recycled plastic which is easier to maintain. More...

First look at new seafront lights
SEAFRONT walkers in Burnham-On-Sea got a first glimpse of the town's brand new £21,000 illuminations on Monday (July 2nd). Ninety of the brand new lights are being installed this week along The Esplanade after Gala Lights, the manufacturer, delivered them. More...

Speed project wins backing
TOWN councillors in Burnham-On-Sea voted unanimously in favour on Monday (July 2nd) of proceeding with a £2,000 project to draw up plans for new traffic calming measures along the resort's seafront. A traffic engineer is to be commissioned to devise a scheme. More...

150 pupils ready for concert
MORE than 150 schoolchildren from across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will take part in a special end-of-term concert of orchestral music, drama and dance next week. Youngsters will gather for the event at 7pm on both Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th July. More...

Berrow FC's building re-opens
BERROW Football Club's newly rebuilt changing rooms were officially opened on Sunday (July 1st) after being completely rebuilt following a devastating fire in November 2005. Andrea Johnstone officially opened the building in front of a crowd of supporters and guests. More...