July 2010 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

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Burnham's new Queen is selected
Photo Special: Sixteen year-old Anna Kevan was selected by a panel of judges to be Burnham-On-Sea's new Carnival Queen on Saturday night (July 31st). At a packed ceremony in Burnham's Princess Theatre, the King Alfred School student was chosen by four judges to lead this year's carnival parade. More...

Fritzlar visitors given send-off
DOZENS of visitors from Burnham-On-Sea's German twin town have been given a formal send-off at a civic dinner attended by local dignitaries. Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Mayor and Mayoress Michael and Maria Clarke, plus local councillors, attended the event. More...

Sanders wins industry awards
STAFF at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World are celebrating after being presented with two top industry awards. The centre has received a Highly Commended Award from the Garden Centre Association (GCA) and has also been named as best for 'Point of Sale Signs'. More...

Youth home scheme to launch
YOUNG people in the Burnham and Highbridge area will soon have a new service available to them if they need a roof over their heads in an emergency. Called Nightstop, the scheme provides short term emergency accommodation for young people in the Sedgemoor district. More...

Sheds destroyed by fire
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater were called to out to tackle a series of shed blazes in Watchfield on Friday evening (July 30th). At 6.11pm crews from Burnham were sent to a report of a single shed on fire - but on their approach they could see large volumes of smoke. More...

50th art show opens in town
BURNHAM-On-Sea Art Group kicked off its 50th anniversary celebrations with the opening of a week-long exhibition at the town's Community Centre on Friday evening (July 30th). Burnham's Mayor and Mayoress officially opened the event at a preview evening in the centre. More...

Calls for seagull cull in Burnham
Exclusive: Concerned residents in Burnham-On-Sea have this week called on the district council to do more to reduce the town's ever-increasing seagull population. Rachel Burland, pictured, wants Sedgemoor councillors to examine the possibility of culling the animals. More...

Smoke bomb attacks - latest
Exclusive: POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea have identified the four youngsters who carried out two 'potentially dangerous' smoke bomb attacks in the town last week. As first featured on Burnham-On-Sea.com, a bundle of burning paper was pushed through a pensioner's letterbox and another incident occurred at a nearby school. More...

National Play Day next week
CHILDREN and families are being invited to celebrate National Play Day at a special event in Highbridge's Apex Park next week. The free annual event at Apex Park will take place on 4th August from 10am–3pm. Organisers say it will be bigger and better than ever this year with even more to do. More...

Attempted theft - CCTV appeal
Exclusive: POLICE have released CCTV photos of two men they want to speak following an incident at a Burnham-On-Sea supermarket where a knife was used to try and gain access to a display case containing a mobile phone. The incident occurred on 13th July, say police. More...

Tesco expansion 'on track'
Exclusive: FEARS that Tesco had axed its multi-million pound expansion plans for its Burnham-On-Sea store - and consequently pulled the plug on £300,000 of regeneration funding for the town - have been quashed this week. The supermarket giant has confirmed the expansion proposals are still going ahead. More...

Beach safety in the spotlight
Exclusive: COUNCILLORS in Brean hope scenes like this will become a problem of the past with the publication of a brand new beach safety leaflet warning of the dangers that lie along our coastline. The parish council has published 60,000 copies of the new brochure. More...

Green Flag Award won by Apex
Photo Special: THERE were celebrations at Highbridge's Apex Wildlife Park on Wednesday (July 28th) when a flag-raising ceremony was held to mark it receiving a sought-after Green Flag Award. Judges have assessed the park and praised its excellent use of green space and well-maintained facilities. More...

Crime-tackling priorities set
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea have chosen tackling anti-social behaviour, illegal parking and speeding as the top priorities for police in the town for the next three months. Dozens of residents attended the latest PACT meeting, held on Wednesday evening (July 28th). More...

Students are cut above rest
BURNHAM and Highbridge's Mayor and Mayoress were among the VIP judges at a hairdressing competition held on Tuesday (July 27th). Michael and Maria Clarke visited the L&F Academy in Church Street to offer their support and encouragement to the business. More...

Crash causes rush hour delays
POLICE and ambulance crews were called to a two car accident in Highbridge on Wednesday evening (July 28th). A Volkswagen and a Ford Fiesta collided in Burnham Road at the junction with Morland Road at 6pm. Queues of traffic built up in the area while the emergency services were at the scene. More...

Sheep leads police on chase!
Photo Exclusive: A runaway sheep brought traffic to a standstill along a busy road in Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday evening (July 27th). Traffic ground to a halt in Queen's Drive at 7.40pm as the animal pulled wool over the eyes of officers as it went on a runaround, dodging in and out of vehicles. More...

Hospital praised by inspectors
NATIONAL inspectors have this week praised standards for patients at Burnham-On-Sea's War Memorial Hospital. Every year, the National Patient Safety Agency publishes comparative information showing the standards across a range of patient services. More...

Royal honour for town councillor
Exclusive: A long-standing Burnham-On-Sea councillor and his wife have returned from a 'very memorable' visit to the Queen's Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace where they met several famous names, including former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Cllr Peter Burridge-Clayton represented Burnham. More...

Fritzlar visitors arrive in town
DOZENS of visitors from Burnham's German twin town were formally welcomed by the Mayor and Mayoress on Monday (July 26th). Michael and Maria Clarke met the group of 37 people from Fritzlar at a ceremony held at the Town Council Chambers in Jaycroft Road. More...

Chris Jagger concert this week
INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed musician and song writer Chris Jagger will be performing at a concert in Brent Knoll this Friday (July 31st). The brother of Mick Jagger, who is an artist in his own right, will be at Westcroft Cider Farm for a special one-off concert. More...

£200 boost for jamboree fund
A WEEKEND of fundraising by two Burnham-On-Sea youngsters has raised more than £200 towards their cost of attending the World Scout Jamboree. Explorer Scouts Emily Burland and Rebecca Roseff held a coffee morning and a car wash to raise cash. More...

Seafront golf plans rejected
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a mini golf course on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront have been axed after the district council ruled today (Monday, July 26th) that it could not award a lease to the entrepreneur behind the project. Sedgemoor’s Executive Committee met this morning to make the decision. More...

Restorative justice for vandals
BURNHAM-On-Sea police are using restorative justice against two youths who caused criminal damage in the town by setting a deliberate fire. The restorative justice orders have been served against the duo after they set a fence on fire in the area of Burnham Road. More...

New look for football team
A TEAM of young football players in Burnham-On-Sea has proudly unveiled its new kit for the coming season, having secured enough local funding to buy a new strip. Burnham United Juniors have begun their pre-season training and have managed to buy new clothing. More...

Lorry blaze visible from town
THICK black smoke seen here rising into the sky south of Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday evening (July 24th) was caused by a deliberate lorry trailer blaze. Two fire engines from Bridgwater were sent to the A38 at Dunball at 4.45pm after several reports of the lorry trailer being alight. More...

£1,100 raised for roof repairs
Photo Special: MORE than £1,000 was raised towards the cost of repairing a church roof in Burnham-On-Sea during a well-attended summer fete on Saturday (July 24th). A crowd of supporters flocked to the town's St Andrew's Church for an afternoon of fun activities. More...

MP opens community garden
A COLOURFUL new community garden has been officially opened in Highbridge by the town's MP and Mayor this week. MP Tessa Munt, Mayor Michael Clarke and Deputy Mayor Janet Keen were among the special guests at the grand opening of the new facilities at the rear of Morland Community Hall. More...

Firm's fun day raises funds
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised for good causes when staff at a Highbridge factory held a fun day in the town's Apex Park on Saturday (July 24th). Stalls, refreshments and entertainment were laid on for Brake Brothers staff and their families, raising money for the Children's Hospice South West. More...

Anger over garden vandals
Exclusive: A furious guesthouse owner in Burnham-On-Sea has hit out at vandals who attacked his award-winning garden by smashing flower pots and throwing flowers across pavements on Friday night (July 23rd). Police were called to Ashbourne House in Berrow Road shortly after 10.20pm. More...

Butterfly Week events begin
PEOPLE who want to find out more about attracting butterflies to their gardens are being invited to a Brent Knoll garden centre during Save Our Butterflies Week. The event runs from today (Saturday July 24th) until August 1st at Sanders Garden World near Burnham-On-Sea. More...

Pig racing returns to Brean
THIS month sees the return of Brean Leisure Park’s annual Pig and Donkey race nights, which are held throughout the summer. Brean is once again expecting crowds of onlookers to flock to the first pig races and donkey derby this coming Tuesday (July 27th) when all will be welcome. More...

Carer award for Burnham mum
A mother of four from Burnham-On-Sea is celebrating this week after being crowned 'South West Carer Of The Year'. Sarah Stacey has been a foster carer with Somerset County Council for four years and in that time has looked after 21 children alongside her own four. More...

Bug ball marks end-of-term
YOUNGSTERS and staff at Highbridge Children's Centre have celebrated the end of the summer term by holding a colourful Bug Ball this week. Children made costumes, colourful outfits and hats representing ladybirds, beetles, spiders, lice and many other 'mini beasts'. More...

New £6.3m school is approved
Exclusive: The construction of a brand new £6.3m school in Highbridge will go ahead despite the government scaling back its spending on the country's schools modernisation programme, it has been announced this week. Somerset County Council says building work for the multi-million pound Churchfield Primary School will go ahead as planned. More...

UFO spotted over Burnham
A BRIGHT UFO has been spotted in the skies above Burnham-On-Sea this week, it has been claimed. Michael Nixon says he spotted the unexplained object hovering above the town during the early hours of Wednesday morning (July 21st) at around 1am. Several other sightings have also been made. More...

Tea drinkers help hospice
TEA drinkers in Burnham-On-Sea raised more than £400 for St Margaret's Somerset Hospice on Wednesday (July 21st). The 'Tea At 3' event was held in the town's Baptist Church Hall in College Street to celebrate 30 years of caring by the well-known hospice facility . More...

Police set new local priorities
RESIDENTS in Highbridge have this week chosen tackling anti-social behaviour and drug dealing as the two top priorities for police in the town. Dozens of residents attended the latest Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting on Thursday (July 22nd). More...

Do you recognise this man?
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have issued these two CCTV photos of a man they want to speak to folowing the theft of two handbags from a local garden centre. Two bags and their valuables were taken from Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll at 1.22pm on 25th June. More...

New warning signs welcomed
Exclusive: NEW warning signs have been introduced on Brean Down by the National Trust following a series of dog deaths on the steep cliffs. Burnham-On-Sea.com reported earlier this month how pet owners had stepped up their calls for improved warnings after five deaths on the Down this year. More...

Voice of ITV's 'X-Factor' to visit
PETER Dickson, the voice of ITV1's The X-Factor, will be visiting a Brean holiday park this weekend when he joins up with a pop group to perform a summer hit. Members of the public are welcome to visit Pontin's Brean Sands on Sunday 25th July at around 9pm. More...

Photo earns Nick top award
Exclusive: THIS eye-catching image of a violinist has earned a well-known Burnham-On-Sea photographer a top award in a prestigious national competition. Nick Tolley has won a gold award in The Society of Portrait and Wedding Photographers' print competition. More...

Scouts appeal for funding help
TWO Explorer Scouts from Burnham-On-Sea who have been selected to represent Somerset at the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden this summer are holding two fundraising events this weekend. Emily Burland and Rebecca Roseff each have to raise £2,000 to attend. More...

Crowds flock to flower show
A COLOURFUL flower festival attracted crowds of visitors to a tiny church on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend. Over a dozen colourful flower displays were on show at the two-day event in Edithmead Church, which ended on Sunday afternoon (July 18th). More...

Britannia boosts town charity
GENEROUS staff at a bank in Burnham-On-Sea have given a local charity a boost by holding a fundraising walk. Staff at the Britannia in College Street have raised over £280 for hovercraft charity BARB by holding a sponsored walk from Burnham to Berrow and other events. More...

Wind farm 'poses M5 risk'
Exclusive: A PROPOSED wind farm that could be built next to the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea would "create long, moving shadows across the carriageways", causing confusion to motorists and raising the risk of accidents, a leading wind farm protester told a packed meeting on Tuesday evening (July 20th). More...

Awards for St John Badgers
MEMBERS of Highbridge's St John Ambulance Badgers have been celebrating success after receiving awards during the group's annual presentation evening. Three 'Superbadger' Awards were handed to Katie Watts, Paige Heyward and Jaymie Whitehouse during the evening. More...

Bid to halt 13 seafront flats
Exclusive: THE campaign to prevent this Burnham seafront home from being demolished and replaced with a block of 13 flats has been relaunched this week after the developer lodged a formal appeal into the decision to reject the scheme. Moose Roper Limited has appealed to The Planning Inspectorate. More...

Town's U3A marks milestone
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge's Mayor was the VIP guest at a special event to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a popular group this week. Cllr Michael Clark opened Monday's event to mark Highbridge University of the Third Age's 10th birthday. A celebratory lunch was held in the community hall. More...

Fun-raising week in Burnham
YOUNGSTERS at a Burnham-On-Sea nursery have been holding a week of fun-filled events in aid of two good causes. Children at the Fairstart Nursery in Princess Street enjoyed a visit to a park and took part in a fun Olympics to raise money for BARB and British Heart Foundation. More...

Bloom judges visit Highbridge
TWO judges were 'blooming impressed' when they made a tour of Highbridge during their assessment of the town for the Britain In Bloom competition on Monday (July 19th). Judges Tony Moore and John Bowden were given a guided tour of the town after being welcomed. More...

PACT meetings this week
BURNHAM and Highbridge residents will be able to have their say about policing in the towns when quarterly Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings are held over the next few days. PACT meetings give residents a chance to influence policing. More...

Whole school gets beach treat
OVER 300 pupils from a Burnham-On-Sea school were treated to a morning on the town's beach to mark the end of the summer term on Monday (July 19th). The youngsters, aged between 3 to 11, from St Joseph's enjoyed a fun-filled morning on the sands. More...

Teens plan trip to South Africa
A BURNHAM-On-Sea teenager and his friend are set to to cycle from John O'Groats to Lands End to raise money for a special trip to South Africa where they will be helping underprivileged children. Jack Bennett and his friend Daniel Wright are both 17 and local to the area. More...

Radio station visits Burnham
PART of Burnham-On-Sea's seafront was turned into a radio broadcasting studio on Monday (July 19th) when a local radio station visited the town. BBC Somerset's bus pulled up on The Esplanade, allowing presenter Emma Britton to broadcast her Morning Show live. More...

Top pets compete at show
DOZENS of dogs were on best behaviour when the RSPCA held its annual dog show in Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend. The event, held in Manor Gardens, attracted a wide range of pooches and owners, who competed in classes ranging from best puppies to veterans. More...

Rail tracks victim is named
THE lady who was killed in last Friday's railway station horror in Highbridge has been named today (Monday, July 19th) as Lynette Rawles. The 61 year-old from Church Street in Mark was officially named by coroner West Somerset's Michael Rose on Monday morning. More...

Pensioner hurt in town accident
A PENSIONER suffered head and leg injuries in an accident in the centre of Highbridge this afternoon (Monday, July 19th). Police sealed off Market Street for several hours while officers investigated how the woman had been struck by a blue Volvo near the William Hill shop. More...

Is that a flag pole or O2 mast?
Exclusive: FROM a quick look, you'd think this new structure on top of Burnham-On-Sea's Ritz Cinema is simply a flag pole. Yet in fact it is actually a cleverly disguised high-tech mobile phone mast which O2 has installed on the cinema roof in Victoria Street over the past week. More...

Wildlife awareness boosted
WILDLIFE enthusiasts held a 'Dunes Discovery Day' at Berrow Nature Reserve on Saturday (July 17th) to help raise awareness of the importance of the land. A range of activities for all ages took place, including pond dipping, moth identification and a plant hunt, sand craft, badge making and a guided walk. More...

Jazz On Green hits right note
A CROWD of more than 100 jazz fans headed to Brent Knoll on Saturday night (July 17th) for the village's annual Jazz On The Green. Terry Williams’ Ambassadors of Jazz provided the entertainment for this year's 14th event, which was held on a dry evening. More...

Arts festival hailed a success
HUNDREDS of people visited Burnham-On-Sea's Birds and Beasts Art Festival over the weekend, with organisers hailing it a big success. Local arts group Highbridge and Burnham Artists (HaBA) organised an array of visual treats at Apex Park over the course of the three day festival. More...

In photos: Stert Island Swim
EIGHTY swimmers sprinted into the sea at the start of Burnham-On-Sea's annual Stert Island Swim today (Sunday, July 18th). The unique 2,400m race saw the participants swimming from the beach to Stert and back in front of large crowds of spectators on The Esplanade. More...

MP hits back over press claims
Exclusive: Burnham-On-Sea's MP has today (Sunday) hit back at a national newspaper which claims she faces police action after falsely claiming a council tax discount while sharing her house with a BBC DJ. The Mail On Sunday reported that Tessa Munt is locked in a row with Sedgemoor District Council. More...

Highbridge prepares for judges
FINAL preparations are being made in Highbridge this weekend for the town to be assessed by judges from the Britain in Bloom competition on Monday (July 19th). The Highbridge in Bloom committee members will be out in force all day on Sunday, cleaning up the town. More...

MP in council tax probe
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP is reportedly facing police action over allegations that she falsely claimed a council tax discount while sharing her house with a DJ, according to a national press article today (Sunday, July 18th). The Mail On Sunday reports that Tessa Munt is locked in a row. More...

MP praises town art winners
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP handed out prizes to the winners of an art competition on Saturday (July 17th) during the second day of the town's arts festival. Tessa Munt visited the Burnham Birds and Beasts Arts Festival at Apex Park, where she took a tour of the exhibits before presenting the awards. More...

Council opposes home plans
Exclusive: PLANS to build a new two-storey house and wind turbine in Burnham-On-Sea have been met with a 'thumbs down' from town councillors this week. Members of the council's planning applications committee voted unanimously to object against the scheme. More...

Stert Island Swim preview
Preview: EIGHTY swimmers will dash into the sea at the start of Burnham-On-Sea's annual Stert Island Swim on Sunday (July 18th). The unique 2,400m race will this year start earlier than normal at 12 noon. The participants will swim from Burnham to Stert Island and back. More...

Dance spectacle draws crowds
DOZENS of dancers attracted big crowds to Burnham-On-Sea's seafront on Saturday (July 17th) when a day-long special fundraising event was held in aid of a cancer charity. 'Dance On The Beach' was held on the seafront outside the Bay View Cafe after the high tide caused a late change of location. More...

Art festival starts in Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Birds and Beasts Art Festival got off to a great start on Friday (July 16th) despite variable weather. Local artists placed these sculptures around Apex Park's lake and lots of people took advantage of free tuition for 'Painting in the Park'. More...

Berrow play area celebrations
Photo Special: CHAMPAGNE corks were popping in Berrow on Friday (July 16th) when Burnham-On-Sea's former MP officially opened the village's newly refurbished play area. David Heathcoat-Amory led the celebration on Berrow Village Green for the new facilities. More...

Suicide horror in Highbridge
A middle-aged woman committed suicide at Highbridge Railway Station this morning (Friday July 16th), halting rail services through Somerset. Shocked commuters at the station told Burnham-On-Sea.com how the woman, who is believed to be a local person, had walked onto the track. More...

Swimmers help local charities
HUNDREDS of pounds was handed over to several local charities this week following a succesful fundraising swim by members of Burnham-On-Sea Swimming Club. Sixty youngsters took part in the sponsored swim at Burnham Swim and Sports Academy in Berrow Road. More...

Skaters roll towards a record!
THREE teenagers who are on track to beat the UK's distance skateboarding record by rolling from John O'Groats to Lands End travelled through the Burnham-On-Sea area on Thursday (July 15th). Matt Elver (18), Charlie Mason (19) and Lee Renshaw (17) are on schedule to break the record. More...

Bloom judges 'impressed' at town
BURNHAM-On-Sea's hopes of achieving success in the annual Britain In Bloom competition were given a boost today (Thursday, July 15th) when two judges visited the town. Judges Ian Thompson and John Goulden were met by Burnham's Mayor and Mayoress Michael and Maria Clarke. More...

Club's plea: 'Let there be light'
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea Rugby Club has this week unveiled plans for a £25,000 project to introduce more flood lighting at its ground in the town. The club, which is based at Burnham's BASC ground, wants to purchase three new floodlights and upgrade its existing lighting to enable more play on winter evenings. More...

Burnham arts festival preview
A THREE-day arts festival is taking place in Highbridge's Apex Park this weekend. The Birds and Beasts Festival runs from Friday 16th July to Sunday 18th July from 10-4pm each day, with free entry. Highbridge and Burnham Artists (HaBA) is organising the special event. More...

Recycling collections boosted
OVERFLOWING recycling bins in Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge and Berrow are set to be a problem of the past, according to Sedgemoor District Council. The authority this week announced that it is increasing the frequency of its collections of waste in our area. More...

Parents voice merger concerns
Exclusive: DOZENS of worried parents from Highbridge's soon-to-merge St Johns and Beechfield Schools expressed their concerns over the amalgamation during a stormy meeting on Wednesday afternoon (July 14th). New headteacher Wendy Nelder faced questions from 60 parents during the meeting. More...

Jazz On Green this Saturday
CROWDS of jazz fans will be heading to Brent Knoll this Saturday night (July 17th) for the village's annual Jazz On The Green. Terry Williams’ Ambassadors of Jazz will be providing the entertainment at this year's 14th event. The performance starts at 7pm on the village green. More...

Fundraiser for Hillview float
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club is "struggling" to raise enough cash to build this year's float, it said this week as it prepares for a big fundraising event. The club needs to raise up to £14,000 to complete its new float in time for this year's winter carnival parades in November. More...

No new town crier until 2011
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge will be without an official Town Crier until next Spring at the earliest, councillors have decided. Town councillors have decided not to appoint a replacement for the former town crier Fred Smith (pictured), who died last year. More...

Call for boundary plans re-think
Exclusive: PROPOSALS for electoral boundary reform in the Burnham-On-Sea area would lead to electors in the area being more poorly represented at District level than before, it has been claimed this week. Cllr Bob Filmer has written to The Local Government Boundary Commission for England. More...

Fancy dress bikers raise cash
MEMBERS of the Somerset Motorcycle Group donned fancy dress for a fundraising bike run to Minehead for a Burnham-On-Sea charity last weekend. Eighteen bikers took part in the event, held in aid of Burnham hovercraft rescue charity BARB, and raised a sum of £140. More...

Sarah's night to remember!
Exclusive: A BURNHAM hairdesser's friends wanted to give her a night to remember when they gathered to celebrate her upcoming wedding. More than 30 pals - all dressed as bridesmaids - took to the streets of Burnham at the weekend to celebrate the wedding of local couple Sarah Walters, from Haircraft, and her long-time boyfriend, Steve Kidd. More...

Drugs factory uncovered
Exclusive Photos: POLICE have arrested two people after uncovering a drugs factory in the centre of Highbridge today (Tuesday, July 13th). These were the scenes as drug-making equipment worth thousands of pounds was seized as officers executed a search warrant in Market Street. More...

Seafront golf plans approved
Controversial proposals to build a new mini golf course on this part of Burnham-On-Sea's seafront were approved by district council planners on Tuesday (July 13th) - the first of two hurdles before the scheme can proceed. Sedgemoor's Development Control Committee narrowly voted in favour of the plans. More...

Regatta winners announced
BURNHAM-On-Sea's regatta has ended with an awards ceremony for the winners. The presentation was held at the end of the popular event, run by Burnham Sailing Club, which was held over the past two weekends. The regatta was won overall by Steve Short. More...

Town prepares for bloom judges
FINAL preparations are underway in Burnham-On-Sea this week for the yearly visit by judges from the Britain In Bloom competition. Residents are being urged to tidy their gardens and keep the town litter-free ahead of the judges' visit this Thursday (July 15th). More...

Out-of-school activities boost
HIGHBRIDGE'S Curtain Call School of Performing Arts has joined a new initiative encouraging children across Somerset to take part in out-of-school activities. The group has been added to Somerset County Council's new 'Give It A Go!' scheme, allowing free acitivies. More...

Appeal after man attacked
POLICE have appealed for witnesses following an assault in Highbridge in the early hours of Sunday morning (July 11th). The incident occurred in Newtown Road when a man was punched in the face and kicked to the ground. The victim was approached by a group of males aged approximately 17-18 years. More...

Beach jellyfish warning
Exclusive: BEACH users in Burnham-On-Sea, Berrow and Brean have this week been warned to watch out for jellyfish along our tide lines after several paddlers suffered stings while enoying a cooling dip. The Moon Jellyfish pictured here was washed up on Brean beach on Sunday (July 11th). More...

Councillors pay their respects
COUNCILLORS in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have paid their respects to a prominent district councillor who died on Sunday (July 11th). Sedgemoor District Council Labour Leader Roger Lavers, pictured, died of a brain hemorrhage, shocking fellow members. More...

Beach dancers head to town
DOZENS of dancers will hold a day-long spectacle on Burnham-On-Sea beach this Saturday (July 17th) when they take part in a special event for a cancer charity. 'Dance On The Beach' will be held on a covered stage near Burnham's beach jetty from 11am-4pm. More...

MP at pylons protest meeting
DOZENS of villagers filled a public meeting near Burnham-On-Sea this week to discuss stepping up their protests against National Grid's proposed 37-mile line of huge power pylons through the area. More than 80 people crowded into Mark Village Hall for the special public meeting. More...

Sea search for missing man
BOTH Burnham-On-Sea's lifeboats were launched at 1.50am this morning (Sunday, July 11th) to search for a missing person. Two RNLI lifeboats and a team of Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards searched for the man, who was believed to be in the sea water in Brean. More...

Burnham artist's work on show
THE work of Burnham-On-Sea artist Tim Smith has gone on display at a town art gallery this week. Born in Bridgwater and now living in Burnham, Tim enjoys painting local landscapes, and his work includes scenes of Brent Knoll, the Mendips and the Quantocks. More...

Mayor backs RAFA fundraiser
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor was among the local residents helping to raise money for the Royal Air Forces Association during a special coffee morning in the town on Saturday (July 10th). The Burnham branch of the RAFA organised the "Brew for the Few" event. More...

Artist's donkey goes on show!
A BURNHAM-On-Sea artist has put the finishing touches to one of her most unusual commissions yet - a painted donkey. Judith Champion has created this rugby-themed donkey is among 40 on display across Weston-super-Mare to celebrate 200 years of tourism. More...

Man arrested after drugs raid
A 51-year old man was arrested following the seizure of hundreds of pounds worth of drugs on Friday (July 9th). Cannabis with a street value of over £240 was removed from a property in Church Street during the raid at 9.30am. He was charged with possession of cannabis and will appear in court soon. More...

Seafront golf course protest
Exclusive: PROTESTERS fighting plans for a new mini golf course on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront have launched a poster campaign to halt the scheme. They have put up posters along The Esplanade next to the grassy area where entrepreneur Paul Chatwin hopes to build a mini golf park, as pictured here. More...

M5 shut as lorry sheds load
THIS was the scene that greeted motorists when they tried to access the sliproad onto the M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea on Friday morning (July 9th). Police and the Highways Agency shut the entry onto the motorway at Edithmead after a lorry shed its load. More...

Healing festival gets underway
BIG crowds are expected to flock to East Huntspill's Secret World Wildlife Rescue centre this weekend for a special healing festival. The three day Healing Weekend- which runs from Friday 9th July to Sunday 11th July - includes 150 stalls and exhibitions plus displays. More...

Town gets new seafront mural
A GROUP of 30 youngsters added a splash of colour to Burnham-On-Sea's seafront on Thursday (July 8th). A brand new mural was introduced on the walls outside Burnham-On-Sea Sailing Club as part of the run-up to the town's Birds And Beasts Art Festival. More...

Motorist air-lifted from M5
A MOTORIST had to be air-lifted to hospital on Thursday evening (July 8th) after his careered off the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea. These were the scenes on the M5 motorway just north of Sedgemoor Services at 6pm when five fire crews were called to deal with incident. More...

Photos: Mad Hatters Tea Party
THESE were the scenes on Brent Knoll Green on Thursday evening (July 8th) when youngsters in the village took part in a Mad Hatters Tea Party. Dozens of members of Brent Knoll Rainbows, Brownies and Guides dressed up in colourful costumes for the fun-filled evening. More...

Gas leaks shuts business park
Exclusive: A large part of Highbridge's Isleport Industrial Estate was sealed off this evening (Thursday, July 8th) after a gas leak. Police and fire crews closed the business park and several factories were evacuated when a postman's van accidentally struck a gas mains outside Jester Prints in Hooper Close. More...

Sara is UK's biathlon champ!
Exclusive: A WELL-known sportswoman in Burnham-On-Sea is celebrating this week after becoming British Modern Biathlon Champion. Sara Cox-Conklin, who runs Burnham-On-Sea's Swim and Sports Academy with her husband Mark, travelled to Liverpool this week. More...

Police hunt town car vandals
Exclusive: POLICE are hunting vandals who caused hundreds of pounds of damage to this luxury car in Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend. Deep scratches and profanities were etched into the paintwork of the black Jaguar, which was parked in Coleridge Gardens, on Saturday. More...

'Cat run over and hit like a ball'
A SHOCKED resident in Burnham-On-Sea has told police how he saw a group of youths run over a cat with a car and then start playing football with its body. The resident - who has asked to remain anonymous - told police how the white cat was run over in Stoddens Road. More...

Ben is named Mayor's Cadet
BEN Rogers was named as the official cadet for Burnham-On-Sea's Mayor on Wednesday (July 7th). The 14 year-old, pictured here, said being chosen to accompany Mayor Michael Clarke and Mayoress Maria Clarke at civic functions is a "great honour". More...

Leaflets warning to residents
THE Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity has this week warned residents in Burnham-On-Sea not to be confused by a commercial company which has been carrying out doorstep collections of clothing, jewellery, toys and other items in the area during recent days. More...

Fashion show comes to Brean
A FUNDRAISING fashion show is set to be held at Brean Leisure Park next week. The event, starting at 8pm on Wednesday 14th July, is being held to raise cash for the RNLI lifeboat charity. Charlie Symes-Thompson is organising the event after a similar event last year. More...

£200 fine for Apex dog fouler
A HIGHBRIDGE resident has been fined £200 for failing to clean up after his dog when it fouled a grassy area in Highbridge's Apex Park. The man has been prosecuted after work by Sedgemoor District Council's Environmental Protection Unit saw the mkan brought before Sedgemoor Magistrates. More...

Plans for £6m new school in doubt?
Exclusive: THE merger of two Highbridge schools and the construction of a modern new £6.3m school in its place has been plunged into confusion this week. It comes after the government announced it is scaling back spending on the country's schools modernisation programme to cut the budget defecit. More...

Mayor picks charities of year
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has this week announced that two local good causes will be his charities of the year. BARB, the organisation that runs the town's rescue hovercrafts, and The Friends of Burnham Hospital will both benefit from a series of events. More...

New MP's maiden speech in full
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has made her maiden speech in the House of Commons over the past week. Tessa Munt's first speech in parliament covered a range of local issues, including the contentious one of pylons being built through the countryside near Burnham. More...

Tide prompts fireworks re-think
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's annual seafront fireworks display may be held on a barge in the middle of Bridgwater Bay this year after organisers discovered there is an exceptionally high tide due on the night of the event. Organisers from Burnham-On-Sea Town Council face a bill of up to £2,500 extra this year. More...

Council backs Sunday carnival
Exclusive: TOWN councillors have this week given a thumbs-up to the proposed move of Highbridge and Burnham Carnival from Monday to Sunday nights from 2012. John Hodgson of the Carnival Committee outlined the proposed move during a toiwn council meeting held on Monday. More...

Burnham beach gets big clean
BURNHAM-On-Sea's beach is looking a lot cleaner this week thanks to the work of a group of over 20 youngsters. On Monday (July 5th), Burnham Scout Group's Kingfisher Cubs took part in a beach clean as part of 'The Big Tidy Up' run by the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. More...

King Alfs pupils hold reunion
DOZENS of former pupils from Highbridge's King Alfred School have gathered together for a special reunion. The class of 1982-1987 met at Michael's Fun Pub in Burnham on Thursday evening (July 1st) for a fun-packed night of old memories and meeting fomer pals. More...

More medals for Monarchs!
GYMNASTS from Highbridge's Monarchs Acro Gymnastics Club competed in the South West Championships in Sherbourne on Sunday (July 4th) and came away with another haul of medals. Leoni Warbarton, Natalie Hughes and Emily-Kay Smith performed a flawless routine. More...

Police security tips on offer
BURNHAM-On-Sea police will be handing out crime prevention advice and security tips during a special event in the town's High Street on Tuesday (July 6th). PCSO Sarah England and PCSO Eliot Green will be offering crime prevention advice and other tips from a special stand in the High Street. More...

Mayor appoints new chaplain
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge's Mayor appointed his official chaplain for the coming year on Monday evening (July 5th). Reverend Graham Witts, vicar of St Andrew's Church, was welcomed to the position by Cllr Michael Clarke outside the town council chambers. More...

Police appeal over cashpoint attack
Exclusive: This cash machine in Burnham-On-Sea was attacked over the weekend in an apparent attempt to get money inside. Police were called to the machine outside Burnham's Tesco store in Love Lane at 3am on Sunday (July 4th) after a passer-by noticed the damage. More...

£344k lotto boost for Marine Cove
Exclusive: THE project to redevelop Burnham-On-Sea Marine Cove gardens has been given a massive boost today (Monday, July 5th) with the news that it is has been awarded £344,200 of National Lottery funding. Sedgemoor District Council has been successful in being awarded the cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund. More...

In photos: Burnham Youthfest
CROWDS of young people from the Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge area flocked to the town's annual youth festival today on Sunday (July 4th). Overseen by Burnham's Youth Town Council in association with Burnham Lions, the event included a wide range of fun. More...

M5 re-opens after car fire
THE M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea was closed to all traffic this morning (Sunday, July 4th) when fire crews tackled a car blaze. These were the scenes on the southbound carriageway next to the exit of Sedgemoor Services as crews tackled the fire, which completely destroyed the car. More...

Sun shines on Berrow School Fete
HOT summer sunshine attracted large crowds of Berrow School pupils, parents and their families to its annual fete on Saturday (July 3rd). A wide range of entertainment, activities and stalls were set-up around the school field for the event, which was bathed in sun. More...

Cycling trio pass through town
Exclusive: CHEERING residents welcomed three Burnham-On-Sea cyclists into the town today (Sunday) as they passed through during their fundraising ride from Lands End to John O'Groats. Martin Rogers, Kevin Crenol and Jason Emmett are hoping to complete the 1,000 mile feat in just seven days. More...

Pooches go on parade at fete
Photo Special: A FUN dog show was one of the attractions at West Huntpsill's annual summer fete on Saturday (July 3rd). The event drew crowds of spectators to the grounds of St Peter and All Hallows Church, where stalls, games and a barbecue were laid on. More...

Council attendance published
Exclusive: A new report out this week shows the attendance levels of Burnham-On-Sea councillors at district council meetings over the past year. The publication of the report comes just days after the expense claims of local councillors were published on Burnham-On-Sea.com. More...

'Dry run' held for Stert Swim
WITH just a fortnight to go until Burnham-On-Sea's annual Stert Island Swim, a group of participants took part in a practice this morning (Saturday, July 3rd). The unique 2,400m sea race takes place on Sunday July 18th, starting at mid-day, and 80 swimmers will take part. More...

Town's regatta gets underway
DOZENS of yachts are taking part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual regatta over the next fortnight, with a series of sailing races being held along the estuary. The popular event, run by Burnham Sailing Club, started on Friday and runs both this weekend and next. More...

New seafront recycling service
A NEW litter recycling bin has been installed on Burnham seafront near the jetty this week. The bin has been sited to encourage beach users and seafront walkers to recycle their waste. The bin on the seafront will be emptied daily by Sedgemoor's Clean Surroundings team. More...

Jim's boost for good causes
JIM Tancock, the outgoing President of Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club, has this week presented a final round of cheques to several local good causes. The benefiting groups included Brent Knoll Guides, Burnham Sea Cadets, Sounds and Voices, the Cateway Club and RNLI. More...

Arrest over motor home thefts
Exclusive: A MAN has been arrested after the discovery of two stolen motor homes in Burnham-On-Sea this week. The vehicles had been stolen from Staffordshire and were identified by ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras installed in the town. More...

Tourist hovercraft to launch?
Exclusive: PROPOSALS for the launch of a new commercial hovercraft service offering trips around Bridgwater Bay is being considered by local councillors. Sedgemoor District Council has received an application from a firm called Hovabout Limited to launch the service. More...

Fifth dog killed on Brean Down
Exclusive: FRESH calls for better warning signs on Brean Down have been made this week after another dog plunged to its death over the cliffs - the fifth this year. The animal tumbled down the steep rockface near Brean Down Fort at 3pm on Wednesday afternoon (June 30th). More..

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