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Crews tackle Highbridge blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews were called to deal with a suspected arson attack on a disused building in Highbridge on Thursday evening (July 31st). Two Burnham fire crews rushed to tackle the blaze in a property besides the railway line at 7.25pm, as pictured here. Several gas cylinders were removed from the building. More...

New swan seats for Apex Park
VISITORS to Highbridge's Apex Wildlife Park now have a new animal-themed place to take the weight off their feet. Two wooden, swan-shaped seats have been introduced besides the park's main car parking area and they were formally unveiled at a ceremony on Thursday afternoon (July 31st). More...

Anger over beach barbecues
Exclusive: Angry residents in Burnham-On-Sea have been left fuming after parts of their garden fences were pulled down by party goers to provide fuel for beach barbecues earlier this week. This was the scene on Burnham beach near Allandale Road after leaflets, bottles and pieces of wood were left strewn over the beach following the barbecues. More...

Youth cafe plans step closer
Exclusive: PLANS for a new youth café in Burnham-On-Sea have taken a step forward with the decision to set it up in the town's youth centre. The Burnham Area Youth Centre, pictured, has been selected as the preferred location for the café, which could be up and running within weeks. More...

Yachts prepare for night sail-by
FINAL preparations are underway for this Friday's annual illuminated procession of boats, which will mark the start of the town's annual sailing regatta. This year, tide and daylight timings will test the Sailing Club's yacht and boat skippers to the limit. The event will commence at around 9.30pm. More...

New play area gets the nod
Exclusive: PLANS to build a new play area in the centre of Berrow, near Burnham-On-Sea, have this week been given the go-ahead. Berrow Parish Council has been granted full planning permission to build a new multi-use games area featuring a range of play equipment. More...

Two arrests after pool break-in
Two men have been arrested after a break-in at Burnham-On-Sea's recently-opened Swim and Sports Academy in the early hours of Wednesday morning (July 30th). Owner Mark Conklin told Burnham-On-Sea.com how he found the two when he arrived to open up the premises at 5.30am. More...

Traders call for parking review
Exclusive: CONCERNED businesses in Burnham-On-Sea have this week called on the district council to review 'damaging' seafront parking restrictions which limit visitors to a maximum stay of four hours. Traders in the town say holidaymakers should be able to buy all-day parking tickets along The Esplanade. More...

Drink driver arrested at Berrow
Exclusive: A MOTORIST has been arrested and charged with drink driving after crashing his vehicle into an electricity pylon at Berrow earlier this week. Burnham-On-Sea police rushed to Barton Road, close to the junction with Church House Road, at 12.15am on Saturday. More...

BMX Club says 'sorry' for noise
BURNHAM-On-Sea BMX Club has issued an apology to residents living near its track at Apex Park after complaints about noise during last weekend's two-day cycling event. Matt Duckering, Club Secretary, said the group is sorry about the late night noise created during last Saturday's event. More...

Fireworks display is saved!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's annual seafront fireworks display has been saved thanks to the financial support of local businesses and residents, the Town Council announced on Tuesday morning (July 29th). Cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council withdrew its financial support for the event in March, due to the authority's huge £1.8m financial shortfall. More...

D-Day arrives for protesters
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea fighting plans by a developer to turn a seafront property into a block of apartments could find out on Tuesday (July 29th) whether the controversial scheme will be thrown out. Allandale Road residents are up in arms over plans to build 14 flats in place of a seafront home. More...

Vandals anger festival organisers
Exclusive: VANDALS have forced organisers of this week's River Brue Festival in Highbridge to move one of their key exhibits to another location. Artist Stefan Jennings has been working with local youngsters on the banks of the river in recent days to create a huge willow sculpture of a fish, but vandals have damaged it. More...

Job losses at Highbridge firm
ONE of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's biggest employers is laying off 20 staff, just months after a previous round of redundancies. Staff at furniture maker Woodberry Brothers and Haines say the firm has just made 20 staff redundant as part of a cost-cutting exercise, news that was confirmed on Tuesdy. More...

Top BMX bikers in action in town
HUNDREDS of BMX bikers from across Europe descended on Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend when the town's BMX Club hosted two rounds of the British Cycling National BMX Series along with a Pre-Olympic European invitation race. Top elite and junior BMX riders took part. More...

Weston blaze watched from town
OVER thirty firefighters tackled a huge blaze at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare on Monday morning (July 28th) which was clearly visible from across the Burnham-On-Sea area. Black smoke and flames billowed into the sky which were visible from as far away as Cardiff and Bristol. More...

Huge crowds watch Stert swim
EIGHTY swimmers raced into the sea in front of huge crowds at the start of Burnham-On-Sea's annual Stert Island Swim on Sunday afternoon (July 27th). The event was won by a swimmer from Lyme Regis in a fast time of under 27 minutes. The swim went ahead in brilliant sunshine. Photos | Results | Video

Walk held in memory of Archie
A BRAVE Burnham-On-Sea mother whose son tragically died of cot death at just three days old has led a sponsored beach walk to focus more attention on the syndrome and raise money for two local charities. Dawn Carter lost young Archie to cot death in April, devastating she and her family. More...

Berrow wildlife in the spotlight
SCORES of visitors to Berrow Nature Reserve near Burnham-On-Sea were given a guided tour of the local wildlife up close during a special Dune Discovery Day on Saturday afetrnoon (July 26th). A range of activities for all ages took place, including guided tours and walks around the reserve. More...

Town night club's lease on sale
THE lease of Burnham-On-Sea's Shakers Night Club has been put up on sale at £55,000 for three years by its owners. The club and bar on the High Street (pictured here) has been closed for several months and has undergone a substantial refurbishment in recent years. More...

In photos: Summer Moon 2008
A LARGE crowd flocked to Burnham-On-Sea's annual Under a Summer Moon concert on Saturday evening (July 26th) when a line-up of music acts performed at the town's BASC ground. Top of the bill was 'Geno Washington and his Ram Jam Band' (pictured), supported by The Move. More...

Man injured in freak accident
A MAN is believed to have broken both his ankles during an accident on an inflatable castle at Burnham-On-Sea's Under a Summer Moon concert on Saturday (July 26th). St John ambulance volunteers were able to provide fast treatment to the middle-aged man who was understandaby in a lot of pain. More...

Stert swim set for this Sunday
EIGHTY swimmers will run into the sea at the start of Burnham-On-Sea's annual Stert Island Swim this Sunday (July 27th). The entry period for the popular event began in May and was due to remain open until mid-July, but all 80 places were quickly filled ahead of schedule. More...

X-Factor star performs in Brean
Exclusive: ITV's X Factor contestant Ben Mills will be performing live in Brean later this week and during August. The 28-year-old will be performing a wide variety of songs that have appeared in the X-Factor TV series at Pontins in Brean on Thursday evening (31st July). More...

Chemical alert at holiday park
THIS was the scene at a caravan park in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday morning (July 25th) after twenty firefighters from across Somerset were called to a chemical leak. Six fire crews rushed to Home Farm Holiday Park at 10.36am after fumes were released when two chemicals were accidentally mixed together. More...

Ten barrage schemes considered
PROPOSALS for a range of different barrages across the Severn Estuary, near Burnham-On-Sea, are being considered as part of plans to develop tidal power in the UK, the Government confirmed this week. A list of ten projects is being examined by a feasibility study. More...

Crime down, but burglaries up
OVERALL crime in the Burnham-On-Sea policing area has fallen by nearly 20 per cent over the past year, although burglaries have risen by 10 per cent, according to official new crime statistics just released. The report shows robberies have been cut by 33%, although several types of crime actually rose. More...

O2 cinema mast wins backing
Exclusive: MOBILE phone giant O2's plan to build a five metre tall phone mast disguised as a flag pole on top of Burnham-On-Sea's Ritz Cinema was given a green light by town councillors on Thursday (July 24th). Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported last year how O2 had submitted the application to build the mast on the cinema roof. More...

Video: Historic ship visits town
WALKERS along Burnham-On-Sea's Esplanade were treated to a glimpse of the historic 60 year-old ship Balmoral as it glided past the town on Thursday morning (July 24th). The Balmoral was on its annual trip up the River Parrett to Dunball to collect passengers for a excursion around the Bristol Channel. More...

Concert tickets selling fast
TICKETS are selling well for Burnham-On-Sea's annual Under a Summer Moon concert, which will be held this Saturday night at the BASC ground (July 26th). Top of the bill will be 'Geno Washington and his Ram Jam Band' (pictured), supported by The Move and Hogg. More...

Missing child found at Brean
BURNHAM-On-Sea police were put on alert on Wednesday afternoon (July 23rd) after a young child was reported to be missing from a Brean holiday camp. The five-year-old boy went missing from Unity Farm caravan park at lunchtime, prompting a full-scale police search which included the force's helicopter, pictured right. More...

FolkFest grant bid turned down
Exclusive: DISAPPOINTED organisers of this year's Burnham-On-Sea FolkFest have been dealt with a financial blow after they being turned by the Arts Council for a £5,000 grant. The costs of running the popular autumn music festival in the centre of Burnham have reached a whopping £14,500. More...

Stunt show revs into action!
HIGH-speed action came to Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Wednesday evening (July 23rd) when a vehicle stunt display held the first of its summer displays. Hundreds of holidaymakers crowded into Brean Leisure Park's main arena to watch the 90-minute action-filled show. More...

Tea-rific turnout at charity party
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were among the guests at a special 'Tea At Three' fundraising event held in the town on Wednesday (July 23rd). Throughout June and July supporters of hospices across Britain are raising cups and funds during 'Britain’s biggest tea party'. More...

Flower festival raises hundreds
A COLOURFUL flower festival held at a church on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea attracted crowds of visitors earlier this week. The two-day event was held to raise money for Edithmead Church and over a dozen flower displays were on show inside, helping to earn the church over £200. More...

Hero saves suicidal woman
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea man has been hailed a hero after he prevented a suicidal woman jumping off an M5 motorway bridge into passing traffic below on Monday afternoon (July 21st). Nigel Smith, pictured, was travelling from Burnham to East Huntspill at 4.30pm when he spotted the woman in her 60s. More...

Helicopter in search for robber
A POLICE helicopter hovered over Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday evening (July 22nd) when it was used by officers on thr ground to help search for a man following a robbery in the town. A 19 year-old man was arrested by police outside the Burnham Swim and Sports Academy. More...

Pig races are runaway success!
THE first of a series of summer pig races got underway in Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Tuesday evening (July 22nd) when over 350 people cheered on the animals as they raced around a circuit at the village's leisure park. The races will be held until Tuesday August 26th. More...

17 new homes for Tesco site?
Exclusive: SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has this week controversially revealed it wants to build seventeen new homes on land at the western end of its Burnham-On-Sea store in Love Lane. Plans for the new homes emerged on Tuesday (July 22nd) at a special exhibition in Burnham's Princess Hall where shoppers were encouraged to give their feedback on plans to expand the supermaket. More...

Sinking boat retrieved in river
A 17ft sailing boat which sank when it was swamped with sea water in Burnham-On-Sea over the weekend was successfully retrieved by Sailing Club members on Monday (July 21st). The boat, called 'She's Mine', had been moored on the banks of the River Brue near Burnham Sailing Club when it started to take on water on Sunday. More...

Shoplifter held near Asda store
SMASHED bottles were strewn over a Highbridge road on Monday evening (July 21st), as pictured, after a suspected shoplifter was caught running away from a supermarket with a large amount of alcohol. A 16-year-old from Burnham was arrested by officers in Accommodation Road. More...

Mayor welcomes Fritzlar group
DOZENS of visitors from Fritzlar in Germany - which is twinned with Burnham-On-Sea - were welcomed to the town on Monday evening (July 21st). Mayor Peter Clayton led a formal ceremony at the town council chambers for the group of 40 visitors who had arrived by coach during the day. More...

'Name that shop' contest starts
TOWN centre shoppers in Burnham-On-Sea are being invited to 'name that shop' during a three-week competition being run by the Chamber Of Trade. Cryptic photos of various shops across Burnham have been taken and the public is being invited to match the names to the pics. More...

Crash drama shuts town road
A DRAMATIC crash left a vehicle upturned and a busy town centre road closed in Burnham-On-Sea on Monday evening (Monday July 21st). Police, fire crews and paramedics rushed to the scene in Burnham Road, as pictured, after a Ford Escort slammed into a row of parked cars and ended up on its side. More...

New look pool opens in town
CELEBERATIONS were underway at Burnham-On-Sea's new Swim and Sports Academy on Monday (July 21st) when the facility opened for business. Sara Cox-Conklin and Mark Conklin have spent six weeks modernising the Berrow Road facility since taking over its lease in May after months of uncertainty about its future. More...

Summer train service begins
A STEAM train which passes through Highbridge railway station on its run to the Devon coast has begun its summer service for the sixth year in a row. The Torbay Express passed through Highbridge Railway Station on Sunday morning (July 20th) on its way to Paignton and the Devon coastline. More...

Police probe fatal accident
BURNHAM-On-Sea police were called to help investigate a fatal road accident in Woolavington on Sunday afternoon (July 20th). A male motorcyclist died when his bike collided with a Peugeot 106 on a road bend on the outskirts of the village, as pictured. Police were diverting traffic around the scene on Sunday. More...

In photos: Burnham Fun Day
SCORES of fun-lovers flocked to Burnham-On-Sea Lions Club's first fun day, which was held in the town's Manor Gardens on Sunday afternoon (July 20th). The five-hour event included a range of entertainment, games and stalls including displays by local groups. More...

Fireworks deadline looms
MORE Burnham-On-Sea businesses have this week pledged their financial support to helping save the future of the town's threatened seafront fireworks display, but organisers have warned that they may pull the plug on the event at the end of July if enough cash is not raised. Burnham's Bay View Cafe and Home Hardware have this week pledged their financial support. More...

New carnival queen announced
SEVENTEEN year-old Tara Moxey was officially named Burnham-On-Sea's 2008 Carnival Queen on Saturday afternoon (July 19th). The annual competition to find a queen and two princesses to lead November's carnival parade was held at Home Farm Holiday Park in Burnham. More...

Second burglary hits town shop
Exclusive: A TOWN centre shop in Burnham-On-Sea which was hit by a hit and run robbery earlier this month has been struck by a second robbery. The stunned shop owner, who has asked not to be identified, told Burnham-On-Sea.com how a man claiming to be a previous customer walked into the shop on Friday (July 18th), distracted him while he took goods worth a high value. More...

Lions hold Burnham Fun Day
BURNHAM-On-Sea Lions Club is holding its annual Fun Day in the town's Manor Gardens on Sunday afternoon (July 20th). The event, which is open to all from 11am-4pm, will include a range of entertainment, games, atractions and stalls. We have a full preview of the schedule. More...

Tories announce candidate
BURNHAM-On-Sea Conservatives have this week chosen their candidate to contest the Highbridge ward in next year's County Council elections. John Woodman, 45, was named on Friday evening (July 18th) as the person who will contest the Burnham South and Highbridge ward. More...

Crash destroys traffic lights
A SET of traffic lights was sent to crashing to the ground during an accident in the centre of Highbridge on Thursday evening (July 17th). A transit van collided with the lights recently installed next to the new pedestrian crossing on Burnham Road, pictured here. Police were quickly on the scene. More...

BBC Blue Peter man visits town
FORMER BBC Blue Peter presenter Matt Baker visited Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday (July 17th) when he recorded a radio interview with the town's rescue hovercraft crew. Matt, who presented Blue Peter for seven years, now works as a presenter on BBC Radio Four and recorded a segment for a show. More...

Anger over 'costly' newspaper
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea resident this week hit out at Somerset County Council for spending large amounts of money on printing and distributing thousands of copies of a free newspaper while public serices, such as toilets, are closed in the town due to council financial cutbacks. More...

Tesco expansion plans unveiled
TESCO has formally unveiled plans to extend its Burnham-on-Sea store in order to offer a wider product choice and reduce congestion at peak times. The new plans include a smaller extension than proposed in 2005, with an extra 1,150 square metres of shopping space. More...

Town 'may be harmed forever'
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea fighting plans by a developer to turn a seafront property into a multi-million pound block of apartments this week claimed 'the character of the town's seafront is at threat' by the controversial scheme. Residents of Allandale Road are up in arms over plans to build a three-storey block of 14 apartments. More...

Injured bird released at Brean
AN exhausted gannet has been released from the top of Brean Down this week after being nursed back to good health by animal rescuers. The injured bird was spotted in a poor condition on a nearby beach last Friday, having been blown ashore by strong winds and storms. More...

Traders meeting set for tonight
THE benefits to Burnham-On-Sea of the Tour of Britain cycle race coming to the town this autumn will be discussed at Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade's latest meeting this evening (Thursday July 17th). Somerset's Tour Of Britain cycle race project manager will be the speaker. More...

Concert to be held for academy
A CONCERT will be held this weekend to raise funds for a tennis academy set up in memory of a Burnham-On-Sea tennis player who died last year. King Alfred Concert Band will be performing at The Princess Hall on Sunday evening (July 20th) at 7.45pm, raising funds for the Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy. More...

Bogus caller alert for hoteliers
BURNHAM police have warned hoteliers and guest house owners in the town to be on their guard against cold callers asking for customer's bank details. A police spokesman said: "A series of incidents have been reported from businesses in the Burnham area." More...

Car crime warning from police
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea issued a warning to motorists on Wednesday (July 16th), asking them to do their bit in ensuring they do not become victims of car crime this summer. Many thousands of holidaymakers stream into the area during the summer months. More...

New barrage scheme unveiled
Exclusive: Brand new plans for a £15billion Severn Barrage that would protect the Burnham-On-Sea area from flooding in the Bristol Channel are unveiled today, Wednesday (July 16th). Speaking for the first about the project, engineer Rupert Armstrong Evans told Burnham-On-Sea.com about his plans for a 15-mile barrage that will run from Minehead to Aberthaw in Wales. More...

Pool set to re-open this week
FINAL work is underway at Burnham-On-Sea swimming pool, which is set to officially re-open this coming weekend as the new-look Burnham Swim and Sports Academy. The pool's new bosses Sara Cox-Conklin and Mark Conklin have spent six weeks modernising it and are ready to re-open the facility. More...

Bloom judges visit Burnham
JUDGES from the annual Britain In Bloom competition visited Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday (July 15th) and gave an upbeat assessment of the town. Organisers showed the judges around parks, businesses and private gardens during their visit to the town throughout the day. More...

Helicopter in surprise landing
A MILITARY helicopter made an unscheduled landing near Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday (July 15th) after developing a technical problem. The Royal Navy helicopter landed at 2pm in a field besides Langlands Lane in West Huntspill. It had a crew of three onboard and landed due to a malfunction. More...

Phone glitch hits medical centre
BURNHAM-On-Sea Medical Centre issued an apology to people trying to contact it on Tuesday (July 15th) after technical problems struck its telephone switchboard. A problem at Cable & Wireless led to some calls not getting through to the centre, prompting a warning to be issued to patients. More...

In photos: Nicola's charity leap!
THIS was the moment when a Burnham-On-Sea resident hurtled through the clouds to raise money for a local charity. Nicola Henshaw, a nurse from Burnham, made the brave tandem jump to raise funds for St Margaret's Hospice, where she works. A photographer captured the jump on camera. More...

Store's cashpoint attacked
THIEVES attempted to steal money from a cash machine outside a Burnham-On-Sea supermarket on Monday morning (July 14th). One of the two ATM machines at the northern end of Tesco's store in Ben Travers Way was attacked, as pictured here, overnight into Monday morning. More...

BARB joins volunteer network
BURNHAM-On-Sea rescue charity BARB has this week been named as one of the sixteen local groups to join a county-wide network of emergency services that will help deal with the aftermath of major incidents - such as severe flooding - in the future. The group has just been formally launched. More...

Crowds at vintage vehicle show
DOZENS of vintage vehicles trundled into Rooksbridge, near Burnham-On-Sea, over the weekend as they took part in the annual two-day Sedgemoor Vintage Show. After being cancelled last summer, the organisers were anxious for this year's event to be a success and they were not disappointed. More...

Activity day enjoyed by pupils
OVER thirty children from a Highbridge school attended a special activity day at King Alfred Sports Centre last week. Pupils from St Johns Primary School in the town spent two hours taking part in various team challenges that tested teamwork and communication. More...

Fears for Registry Office's future
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea town councillors have this week raised concerns about the long-term future of the town's Registry Office following a three-month 'temporary closure'. The office, based at Burnham and Highbridge Town Council's chambers in Jaycroft Road (pictured), has been shut for over three months. More...

2008 Regatta schedule unveiled
A BUSY line-up of activities will be held over ten days during Burnham-On-Sea's 2008 Regatta, which gets underway in August. The event will start on Friday August 1st with a spectactular illuminated procession of boats through Bridgwater Bay in view of the seafront. More...

In photos: Picnic In The Park
BURNHAM-On-Sea's eleventh annual Picnic In the Park has been hailed 'the best ever' after huge crowds flocked to the town's Manor Gardens on Sunday (July 13th) to soak up the sunshine and music. The entertainment included music from the 20-piece Boulevard Swing Big Band. More...

Fire crews tackle M5 blaze
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea rushed to the M5 motorway on Saturday evening (July 11th) to tackle a campervan blaze. The hard shoulder and one lane of the southbound carriageway were closed, as pictured here, while fire crews dealt with the blaze. The vehicle was damaged in the incident. More...

Yacht runs aground at Berrow
TWO lifeboats and Burnham's rescue hovercraft were launched on Saturday evening (July 12th) amid concern for the safety of a man onboard a yacht that had run aground on the mudflats at Berrow. Coastguards were alerted when the yacht, called Reds, ran aground on the falling tide, leaving a middle-aged man stranded onboard. More...

Dispute causes hole lot of worry
Exclusive: A DISPUTE between BT and a local council over who is responsibility for maintaining a manhole has left one in a "very dangerous state with an accident waiting to happen", according to concerned local residents. The manhole is located on a green near the town's rail station. More...

£500k children's centre opens
BURNHAM-On-Sea's new £500,000 Octopus Children's Centre was officially opened during a special ceremony on Friday afternoon (July 11th). The centre - which has been developed by Somerset County Council in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council, the local parish council and other groups - was officially opened. More...

Police thanks over convictions
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea have thanked the community for their intelligence after two men were this week convicted of being involved in drug dealing and use. Sgt Ian Kennett (pictured) thanked the community on Friday (July 11th) for their help in securing the convictions. More...

Tesco store looks to expand
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco announced on Friday (July 11th) that it is to hold a public meeting in Burnham-On-sea later this month when new expansion proposals will be on show. The store has been under pressure to expand since rival Asda opened its new store in Highbridge. More...

M5 accident causes delays
TRAFFIC on the M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea was reduced to a crawl on Friday morning (July 11th) following an accident. A Volkswagen Convertible collided with the central reservation and flipped over at 7.35am, leading to delays for motorists going southbound. More...

House prices fall back to 2006 rates
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea estate agents say gloomy property forecasts that claim property values are falling faster now than during the recession of the 1990s are not being seen in our area - although local prices have fallen back to 2006 levels. Julian Frost of Abbott and Frost estate agents in College Street spoke to us. More...

Residents form new action group
COMMUNITY-minded residents in Highbridge have this week launched a new police-backed Local Action Team to tackle problems in the town. Over 20 local people, including police officers, gathered in the town's Morland Community Hall on Thursday evening (July 10th) to form the new group, which will deal with a range of problems. More...

Vehicles seized by town police
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have issued over 25 warnings, 100 fixed penalty notices and seized at least two vehicles in an operation to crackdown on anti-social driving in the town so far this year. We reported last month how a speeding crackdown had been started. More...

Road safety plans welcomed
Exclusive: DELIGHTED residents in Highbridge have this week welcomed the news that a much-needed traffic calming scheme looks set to go ahead later this year. The County Council's highways department said this week it plans to install road humps at two locations in Worston Road. More...

5km seafront runs announced
RUNNERS of all abilities are being encouraged to take part in a series of 5km road runs being held in Burnham-On-Sea this summer. Martin Rogers from Burnham Swim and Sports Academy (pictured) is organising the three races in July and August on the town's seafront. More...

Top rating for town food outlets
SEVEN food businesses in the Burnham area have been awarded a maximum five stars for their food hygiene practices in the latest survey by Sedgemoor District Council’s Food Safety Team. Every food premises in the district gets inspected on a regular basis and the results are recorded. More...

Stroke Club reaches 20th year
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Stroke Club marked the 20th anniversary of the group with a celebratory event on Tuesday (July 8th). Deputy Mayor Derrick Cooper was the special guest at the event and praised the group for its important work over the decades. More...

Car pulled from roadside ditch
A VEHICLE recovery service was called to winch this vehicle from a roadside ditch at Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Wednesday morning (July 9th). The Ford Escort came off Brean Road, near Hope Farm cottages, leaving it badly damaged, as pictured in our photo here. More...

Seafront walker injured by gull
A WOMAN was taken to hospital after being attacked by a seagull on Burnham seafront on Wednesday morning (July 9th). The 36-year-old was walking along The Esplanade, near the pier, at 8.45am when a gull swooped onto her head and pecked her several times, leaving her with several wounds. More...

Thieves target town churches
Exclusive: MEAN thieves have stolen strips of lead worth thousands of pounds from the roofs of two churches in and around Burnham-On-Sea during the past few days. Police are investigating separate incidents at St Andrew's Church in Burnham (pictured right) and Berrow Church, both of which have been struck. More...

Fire crew called to car blaze
THIS was the scene in the centre of Highbridge on Wednesday morning (July 9th) when a Burnham-On-Sea fire crew was called to a vehicle fire. One fire engine rushed to Coronation Road, besides Church Street, at 8.20am after a Citroen C5 was reported to be smoking. More...

Get set for Picnic In The Park!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's eleventh annual Picnic In the Park is set to be held in the town's Manor Gardens this Sunday (July 13th). The entertainment will be headed up by the 20-piece Boulevard Swing Big Band, who played at the event in 2006 (as pictured in our story). More...

MP's fear for local post offices
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week expressed his fears for the future of post offices in our area if post office card accounts are scrapped. David Heathcoat-Amory visited two post offices in the Burnham area, just days after the government announced the closures of nine more post offices in the Wells Constituency. More...

Council anger over toilets sell-off
ANGRY Burnham-On-Sea town councillors this week threatened to withdraw £35,000 of funding for the district council in protest at the authority's decision to shut down and sell the town's seafront toilets. At a meeting on Monday evening (July 7th), several councillors proposed the controversial move in a bid to "force Sedgemoor District Council to sit up and take notice." More...

Geno to headline town concert
THE final line-up for this summer's annual Under a Summer Moon concert in Burnham-On-Sea has been announced this week. The popular concert will be held on Saturday 26th July at Burnham’s BASC Ground. Top of the bill will be Geno Washington (pictured). We have a full preview of the summer event. More...

Group aims to keep town clean
A GROUP of community-spirited Highbridge residents has launched a scheme to tackle the problem of overflowing recycling bins in the town centre. The group will check on the busy recycling centre in Bank Street at least once a day on a weekly basis to monitor whether it overflows. More...

Fire cuts power in town
OVER 500 homes in Highbridge were without power on Monday afternoon (July 7th) after a blaze at a furniture factory in the town. These were the scenes at Woodberry Brothers and Haines in Commerce Way as fire crews from across the area battled a blaze at a power sub station on the company's site. More...

Twister damages water park
A POWERFUL, freak whirlwind caused extensive damage at a water park near Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday afternoon (July 6th). Middlemoor Water Park bore the brunt of the extreme weather conditions, which saw sudden strong winds bring down fencing and cause damage. More...

New shopping guide launches
A NEW guide to the best of Burnham-On-Sea's independent shops has been officially launched this week by the town's Chamber Of Trade. The group has launched the pocket-sized booklet, which provides an A-Z guide to Burnham's leading independent shops and includes 75,000 copies. More...

New boutique to open in town
A NEW women's clothing boutique that aims to "bring fashion and flare to Burnham-On-Sea" is set to open its doors in the town this week. Scarlet Boutique in Victoria Street will officially open on Tuesday morning (July 8th) and will sell a range of womens' clothes and accessories. More...

First aid cadets in UK top three
TWO St John Ambulance cadets from Highbridge and Burnham are celebrating this week after finishing in the top three places at the national finals of the St John Ambulance First Aid Competition. Charlotte Aldred, 16, and Lucy Westlake, 14, travelled to Croydon. More...

Yachtsman completes global race
A SPECTACULAR welcome greeted Burnham-On-Sea yacht skipper Mark Preedy on Saturday (July 5th) when he and the other crews of the Round the World Yacht Race arrived back in Liverpool at the end of their 35,000-mile circumnavigation. The return to Albert Dock marked the end of a challenge of a lifetime. More...

Rain fails to hit school's fair
HEAVY downpours of rain failed to dampen spirits at the annual King Alfred School Summer Fair in Highbridge on Sunday afternoon (July 6th). A large crowd of pupils, friends and families filled the school's main hall where stalls, music, entertainment and games were laid on. More...

In photos: Summer fete fun
FACE painting was among the activities taking place during the annual summer fete at Highbridge's St John Church on Saturday (July 5th). The event, held at St John's School, also saw a performance by King Alfred Band and demonstrations by Canine Capers plus lots of games and stalls. More...

£6,000 burglary at town shop
Exclusive: A SMASH and grab raider fled with almost £6,000 of stock during a daring daytime burglary at a town centre shop in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday afternoon (July 4th). The stunned shop owner, who has asked not to be identified, told Burnham-On-Sea.com how the man smashed the front window of his shop before fleeing. More...

Music show tickets go on sale
FINAL rehearsals are underway at a Burnham-On-Sea performing arts group as it plans to hold its annual summer show next weekend. Curtain Call School of Performing Arts is to hold two performances full of well-known Broadway and West End show tunes and dances. More...

£500k kids centre to launch
BURNHAM-On-Sea's new £500,000 Octopus Children's Centre will be officially opened next week. The centre - which has been developed by Somerset County Council and other groups - will be opened at 2pm on Friday July 11th with a celebration and a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. More...

In photos: Art exhibition opens
THE colourful work of six local artists has gone on show this week at an exhibition in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea. The display of photos, paintings and other artwork is open to the public at Sea Breeze Gallery in Victoria Street, opposite the town's cinema, throughout the month of July. More...

Cyclist injured in A38 accident
A MOTORCYCLIST was taken to hospital with back injuries after an accident on the A38 near Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday evening (July 3rd). Our photo shows police at the scene of the accident, which occurred shortly after 5pm and led to the road being blocked for a short time. More...

Teenagers helped from mud
TWO teenagers were helped to safety by Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards on Thursday afternoon (July 3rd) after they got into difficulty on the mudflats at Brean. The village's beachwarden raised the alarm shortly before 4pm after three teenagers were struggling waist-deep in mud near Brean Down. More...

MP presents community award
A BURNHAM-On-Sea charity worker's tireless efforts have been recognised this week with the presentation of a special community award by the town's MP. Barbara Thorogood has been a leading light for many years within Burnham's Gateway Club and BAY Centre. More...

Parents publish Hinkley policy
A BURNHAM-based group campaigning against Hinkley Point power station has this week published its policy about the future of the nuclear plant - and called for the immediate closure of Hinkley B. The statement came from Parents Concerned About Hinkley (PCAH). More...

Village backs widow's campaign
Exclusive: Hundreds of residents from a village near Burnham-On-Sea are supporting a widow's campaign for road safety changes following the tragic death of her husband in a road accident earlier this year. Gordon Ireland was knocked down on the A38 in Rooksbridge in January and this week his wife Pat is at the forefront of a campaign to get a safe crossing point to avoid more fatal accidents. More...

Sea cadets celebrate success
A GROUP of Burnham Sea Cadets is celebrating this week after winning a trophy and medals during a regional boat pulling competition. The team, pictured, won first place after competing in three races and now go on to represent the district in the area competition. More...

Bumper fish caught from jetty
THIS bumper-sized bass was caught by an angler on Burnham-On-Sea's jetty on Wednesday evening (July 2nd). Michelle Mewdell reeled in the 6lb 8oz catch on the falling tide using a rod and line. The fish is among the biggest bass caught from the beach during the current bass fishing season. More...

Berrow festival opens today
BERROW Classical Chamber Music Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary with a three-day event in St Mary's Church which opens today (Thursday July 3rd). A wide range of music will be performed at the festival, including Schubert's Trout Quintet, over the course of the popular event. More...

Fire crew called to kitchen blaze
A FIRE engine from Burnham-On-Sea was called out on Wednesday evening (July 2nd) after a kitchen blaze broke out at a seafront property. On arrival on The Esplanade, the crews confirmed the small fire had already been extinguished in the kitchen area of a bedsit and flat. More...

Awards for town Coastguards
Video & Photos: SIX members of Burnham-On-Sea's Coastguard team were awarded Commendations by the UK's Chief Coastguard during a special ceremony in Weston on Tuesday (July 1st) following their work during the 2007 Gloucestershire floods. The six were praised for their efforts in helping flood victims. More...

Speed crackdown 'a success'
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have confirmed that a crackdown against speeding motorists along the town's seafront last Friday was a success. Several drivers were issued with speeding tickets by officers equipped with speed cameras along The Esplanade during the operation. More...

Brean to feature in TV series
BREAN Down will take centre stage in a brand new primetime BBC One drama series due to hit our TV screens later this month. An episode of Bonekickers was filmed on Brean Down, near the wartime fort, earlier this year and the show will be broadcast later in July, it was confirmed this week. More...

Residents call for safety changes
CONCERNED residents living in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea launched a campaign on Monday (June 30th) to get double yellow lines introduced a "dangerous" road junction where they claim "an accident is waiting to happen." They say urgent changes are needed in Jubilee Street. More...

Flood awards for Coastguards
MEMBERS of the Burnham-On-Sea Coastguard Rescue Team will be awarded with Chief Coastguard commendations later today (Tuesday July 1st) for their efforts during the 2007 Gloucestershire floods. Following unprecedented levels of rainfall on 20th July 2007, the civil infrastructure of both Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire was overwhelmed, resulting in substantial damage to property. More...

Anger over town clock vandals
HIGHBRIDGE'S historic three-sided clock has been struck by vandals who have smashed one of its glass faces. Highbridge town councillor Joe Leach told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Monday (June 30th): "It's very sad that someone would damage this wonderful old clock, which has been a part of Highbridge's history for many decades." More...

New £29,000 CCTV camera?
PLANS to introduce a new £29,000 CCTV camera in Burnham's vandalism-hit Manor Gardens received luke warm support from town councillors at a meeting on Monday evening (June 30th). Cllr John Swayne, who represents the district council on Somerset's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, outlined plans to introduce a new permanent CCTV camera in the park. More...

Archers hit charity target!
ARCHERY experts from across the South West converged on Berrow at the weekend when a local group held a fundraising tournament. The Coastal Archers hosted the annual Jellybow Challenge on Berrow playing fields, with all profits going to the Children's Hospice charity at Wraxall. More...

New signs promote Cove plans
HUGE signs explaining the plans to restore Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens have been introduced on the boarded-up seafront shelters this week. Burnham-On-Sea.com exclusively reported last week how an online petition had been launched to drum up support for the £670,000 scheme. More...

Donkeys dodge seafront traffic!
BEMUSED seafront walkers wondered whether the owner of Burnham-On-Sea's beach donkeys had introduced a new seafront route to walk her animals on Monday (June 30th) after seven were seen wandering along The Esplanade, as pictured here. It all turned out to be due to a broken down horse box. More...