June 2009 Burnham-On-Sea News - Highbridge News - Burnham & Highbridge news

June 2009 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

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Man on indecency charges
A 25-year-old Burnham-On-Sea man faces a prison term after pleading guilty to possessing child porn images. John Riches of Aldwych Close in Burnham appeared at North Somerset Courthouse on Monday (June 29th). He had previously pleaded guilty to 11 charges. More...

Bodies found in Bristol Channel
TWO bodies were found by lifeboat crews in the Bristol Channel on Tuesday (June 30th), a week after two swimmers went missing at Weston. Swansea Coastguards took a call reporting the sighting of a body off Clevedon at just after 1.30pm and a body was later recovered by a lifeboat crew. More...

In photos: St John's Sports Day
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were among the spectators at the annual St John's School Sports Day in Highbridge. Derek and Christine Cooper cheered on the youngsters at the popular summer event, where the budding stars competed in a range of events, including running and hockey. More...

MP's drive to cut M5 queues
BURNHAM-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory has this week called for action to tackle congestion problems on the M5 motorway in Somerset. It comes just days after Burnham-On-Sea.com reported that motorists on the M5 had faced long delays on Sunday when a car overturned. More...

Lotto windfall for Marine Cove
THE project to redevelop Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens has this week been awarded £29,500 of lottery funding. The Heritage Lottery Fund has announced 'first-round passes' for the restoration of seven parks across the UK through its Parks for People programme, including Burnham's vandalism-hit seafront gardens. More...

Artists' work goes on show
ART students in Burnham-On-Sea held a three-day exhibition showcasing their work over the past weekend. More than 130 items, including paintings, wood carvings and stone sculptures, went on show at the home of Burnham-based artists Sue and Clive Hammond-Lovatt. More...

MP backs newsagents campaign
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week given his support to a new campaign to 'Save Britain's Newsagents'. David Heathcoat-Amory was at the launch of a campaign in Westminster, pictured, calling on the Office of Fair Trading to investigate contracts in the news and distribution industry. More...

Germans welcomed by Mayor
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress welcomed a group of German exchange students to Highbridge's King Alfred School on Monday (June 29th). The popular exchange with Homberg in Germany has been successfully running for over twelve years. This year, 14 students are in the group. More...

Summer concert tickets go on sale
TICKETS have gone on sale this week for Burnham-On-Sea's first 'Mid-Summer Madness' concert, which will be held over two nights at the town's Princess Theatre. The event, which replaces 'Under A Summer Moon', will bring together a top line-up of entertainers on Friday 24th July and Saturday 25th July. More...

New President for Rotary Club
BURNHAM-On-Sea Rotary Club has a new President after outgoing President Roy Twining handed over his chain of office to Jim Tancock and wished him well for the coming year. During a ceremony at the Battleborough Grange Hotel last Thursday, Jim thanked Roy for all his hard work over the past year. More...

Date set for Parkway opening
Exclusive: THE opening date for Burnham-On-Sea's long-awaited Frank Foley Parkway has been set for Tuesday July 7th, we can confirm. Work to build the missing link between Love Lane in Burnham and Pepperall Road in Highbridge got underway in March and final plans are now being made for the grand opening. More...

Rotary dictionaries for schools
ROY Twining, President of Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club, has presented free dictionaries to ten local schools as part of an international project to boost literacy. Rotary International's 'Dictionary 4 Life' Project aims to promote improved literacy standards across the world. More...

M5 delays after car overturns
MOTORISTS on the M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea faced long delays on Sunday afternoon (June 28th) after a car overturned. Fire crews from Burnham and Bridgwater were called to the motorway between junctions 22 and 23 at 3.12pm. A dog was recsued from inside. More...

£3m ice rink plan for Brean
Exclusive: BREAN Leisure Park has this week unveiled a £3million plan to turn its outdoor pool complex into a new all-weather attraction boasting a new ice rink. The current site, which was built in the late 1970s, boasts an indoor pool and a children's swimming pool with several flumes. More...

Beach kiters give BARB a boost
BEACH kiting enthusiasts at Brean have raised hundreds of pounds for the charity which operates Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercrafts. The South West Association of Traction Kiting (SWATK) held its annual get-together in the resort and raised £227 for BARB, the Burnham charity that runs two hovercrafts. More...

Sea search next to Brean Down
FEARS that another sea swimmer had gone missing led to a search of the Bristol Channel besides Brean Down on Saturday afternoon (June 27th). An RAF helicopter from Chivenor in Devon, plus two lifeboats, carried out a search from 1.45pm but the rescue crews were stood down an hour later. More...

In photos: Forces Day ceremonies
SPECIAL ceremonies were held in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge this morning (Saturday, June 27th) to mark the first Armed Forces Day. Over 30 local residents, including Burnham and Highbridge's Mayor Derick Cooper and Mayoress Christine Cooper, attended. More...

MP to repay extra £5,000
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP is to repay a further £5,000 of expense claims after further details of his claims were published on the Parliamentary website. David Heathcoat-Amory will repay the money to government coffers after making a series of claims for gardening costs, even though he says they are within the rules. More...

Town post office set to re-open
BURNHAM-On-Sea post office was closed to the general public for a whole day on Friday (June 26th) after torrential overnight rain led to flooding at the property, raising concerns about the electrical supply. Alistair Graham, post office manager, spoke to Burnham-On-Sea.com about the closure. More...

Holiday park holds green festival
BURNHAM-On-Sea Holiday Village has this week been highlighting its environmentally-friendly credentials by holding its own 'green' festival. Among the events held at the park were tree planting, a craft fayre and a fancy dress contest using recycled materials. "The park prides itself on being at the forefront of good environmental practice," explained a spokesman. More...

Land train returns to seafront
A LAND train is set to be re-introduced along Burnham seafront next week for the summer tourist season. It comes after town councillors this week gave their approval to an application to run the 16ft train, with two people carriages, along The North Esplanade, as pictured here. More...

Thunder storm sweeps Burnham
LIGHTNING bolts sizzled over Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday evening (June 25th) as an electric summer storm gave the town a drenching. Burnham-On-Sea.com took this stunning image of one fork lightning strike above the town's pier as crashes of thunder boomed overhead. More...

Cannabis seized in Highbridge
Exclusive: CANNABIS plants were seized by police during a visit to a home in Highbridge on Thursday evening (June 25th). Police were called to a house in Walrow in connection with another matter, but found the plants, which were taken away as by officers as their investigations continued. More...

Anger over 'mindless vandalism'
Exclusive: A CLEAN-up operation was underway in Brean this week after vandals left a trail of damage in the centre of village, leading to repairs running into hundreds of pounds. Several walls in the centre of the village were damaged and flowers were also pulled out of beds along Coast Road and left strewn across pavements. More...

Crime-tackling work recognised
A Neighbourhood Watch volunteer has this week been presented with an award to recognise her work in tackling crime in Burnham-On-Sea. June Hill, pictured with Chief Superintendent Nikki Watson, received the long service award for her efforts with Burnham's Neighbourhood Watch. More...

Do you recognise this bird?
A Burnham-On-Sea resident is seeking help in tracing the owner of a rare bird that has been visiting his garden in the town. The thrush-sized bird, a natuve of South Africa, has appeared several times in the garden of David Neville, near Marine Drive, and he's keen to trace the owners. More...

Search for swimmers called off
A HUGE search to find two swimmers who went missing in the sea at Weston was called off on Wednesday afternoon (June 24th). No sign of the swimmers has been found, despite extensive searches of the coastline by Burnham's Coastguards, and lifeboat and hovercraft crews. More...

Hovercraft joins search for swimmers
TWO rescue hovercrafts from Burnham-On-Sea have this afternoon joined the search for two missing swimmers in the Bristol Channel. The hovercrafts were launched at 1.20pm and are now being used to scour the mudflats and shoreline between Burnham-On-Sea and Brean Down, a distance of 7.5 miles. More...

Hopes fade for missing swimmers
A TEAM of Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards and several local lifeboats have been searching for two missing swimmers in the sea north of Brean Down overnight. An RAF helicopter and lifeboats from Weston also joined in the operation after the men went missing late on Tuesday evening. More...

Seaside property survey shock
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea has experienced the third-largest property price falls of any seaside town in the UK during the past year, according to a new survey out this week. Property price website Zoopla has unveiled the findings in its 'Seaside Property Hotspot League', which is published this week. More...

Markets set to return to town
PLANS for new markets to be re-introduced into the centre of Highbridge have been unveiled this week. The town's Bank Street Car Park looks set to become the venue for the new food and produce markets, which would be run by a third party, MarketForces. The proposals were this week welcomed by local councillors. More...

Google car's tree-mendous day!
Exclusive: GOOGLE'S controversial camera car took away a 'tree-mendous' souvenir of its visit to Highbridge on Tuesday (June 23rd) when it became tangled up a low-hanging tree! The search engine's street view maps service is currently 'branching' out and the car has been seen capturing images of dozens of roads across the Burnham-On-Sea area in recent days. More...

Record breaker visits Burnham
A RECORD-breaking pensioner who has flown in virtually every type of aircraft made a visit to Burnham-On-Sea this week. Edwin Shackleton, 82, has already appeared in ten editions of the Guinness Book of Records for his incredible tally of 860 flights, a number that's still increasing. More...

Man in custody after police chase
Exclusive: A man was in custody after being involved in a police foot chase in Highbridge on Tuesday afternoon (June 23rd). Witnesses told Burnham-On-Sea.com that a man had been seen running down Church Street, followed by several police officers. A man was arrested at around 1.30pm and a short struggle followed, police said. More...

Crash delays rush hour traffic
POLICE and ambulance crews were called to a two-car collision on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday morning (June 23rd). The accident, involving a Renault and a Citroen, occurred on the B3140 at Edithmead at 8.45am. The incident led to brief delays for traffic until the vehicles were moved into a laybay. More...

Truancy drive starts in Burnham
TRUANCY sweeps and targeted home calling to school pupils who are not in schools in the Burnham and Highbridge area were conducted on Monday (June 22nd) as part of an initiative to increase school attendance. Police teamed up with local education officers for the day of action. More...

Shock over rising animal cruelty
STAFF at a wildlife charity near Burnham-On-Sea have this week expressed their shock at a spate of local animal cruelty cases. Secret World Wildlife Rescue has been called to deal with several animals who appear to have been mis-treated. The charity's founder said that two weeks ago, a roe fawn was accidentally caught in a mower and the farmer merely threw the animal to one side. More...

Man in court after stabbing
Updated: A man has appeared in court today (Monday June 22nd) following an early morning stabbing at this road junction in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday. Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report how four people had been arrested in connection with the stabbing at the junction of Cassis Close and Burnham Road. More...

In photos: Burnham YouthFest
A HUGE seven metre tall climbing wall was one of the attractions at Burnham-On-Sea's first youth festival, held on Sunday (June 21st). The YouthFest was run by Burnham Youth Town Council and the Lions and saw a crowd of youngsters flocking to the town's Manor Gardens for the six-hour event. More... | Gallery

Lifeboat called to kite surfer
BURNHAM-On-Sea's lifeboat crew was called out on Sunday evening (June 21st) to rescue a kite surfer believed to be in difficulty in Bridgwater Bay. Burnham's Puffin lifeboat set off to the beach at 4.21pm, and was about to launch when it was recalled by Swansea Coastguard control. More...

Four arrests after stabbing
Exclusive: Police have arrested four men following an early morning stabbing at this road junction in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (June 20th). Police were called to the junction of Cassis Close and Burnham Road at around 4am after receiving reports that a teenager had been stabbed. More...

Classic cars on show at centre
VINTAGE and classic vehicle owners displayed their motors at a special two-day event at a garden centre near Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend (June 20th and 21st). Buses, motorbikes, vans and cars of all makes and models were on show at Sanders Garden World at Brent Knoll. More...

Car wash fun raises over £230
MORE than £230 was raised for Highbridge's Dreamscheme when members of the group held a fundraising car wash at Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station on Saturday (June 20th). A total of 63 motorists got their cars washed during the four-hour event, raising a total of £236.60. More...

Tai Chi event held in town park
DOZENS of Burnham-On-Sea residents took part in a Tai Chi day being held across the country on Sunday (June 20th). A crowd of more than 40 people of all ages flexed and stretched their muscles in the Manor Gardens during the event, which was overseen by the Tai Chi Union. More...

Scarecrow festival in photos
IT'S no surprise that there were few birds in Watchfield, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Saturday (June 20th) because the village was holding its annual scarecrow festival! Colourful scarecrows created by local residents were hung outside homes and on signs and hedegrows. More...

In photos: St John's summer fair
CELEBRATIONS to mark the 150th year of St John's Church in Highbridge continued on Saturday (June 20th) when it held its annual summer fair. Sunny weather attracted large crowds to the event, which was held in the grounds of neighbouring St John's School. More... | Photo gallery

July 6th opening for new store
BURNHAM-On-Sea's new Morrisons supermarket will open next month, it has been confirmed this week. Signs have appeared outside the store in Pier Street, as pictured, stating the opening will be held at 9am on Monday July 6th. It follows the completion of a multi-million pound revamp of the seafront store. More...

Kids Centre course completed
A GROUP of parents at Highbridge Children's Centre have this week completed a new course that provided them with ways to help children learn and get involved in their learning and development. The 15-week programme has been run as a partnership with other groups. More...

Fundraising car wash today
A FUNDRAISING car wash is set to be held in Burnham-On-Sea today (Saturday, June 20th), led by young members of Highbridge's Dreamscheme. The group's event will be held at Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station in Marine Drive from 10am-2pm. Highbridge's Dreamscheme was set up by the town's Local Action Team. More...

Tea-rrific! Event raises £270
A GROUP of generous Burnham-On-Sea ladies have this week raised £270 for St Margaret's Somerset Hospice by taking part in the charity’s fundraising tea party. Barbara Fletcher with her team of friends organised the 'Tea @ 3' event, which was held in her garden on Tuesday (June 16th). More...

Man injured in beach fall
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man was taken to hospital after suffering a suspected broken ankle in an accident on local sand dunes on Thursday (June 18th). An ambulance and Coastguards were called to Berrow beach on Thursday after the man stumbled and fell awkwardly. More...

Do you recognise these men?
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week asked for the public's help in identifying three men who could be able to help with enquiries into a money theft at Berrow. Several CCTV photos have been released of the suspects after the theft of a cash box from an electronic gaming machine. More...

Police investigate sex assault
Exclusive: POLICE in Highbridge are this week investigating allegations of a sexual assault at this block of flats in the town, Burnham-On-Sea.com learns. Officers were called to Charlotte Court in the centre of Highbridge last Saturday afternoon. A man aged 47 was arrested on suspicion of assault. More...

Google camera car in Burnham
Exclusive: Google's camera car was spotted in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge for the first time on Thursday afternoon (June 18th), gathering thousands of images of the town's streets for its controversial mapping service. Burnham-On-Sea.com captured this image of the vehicle as it travelled along Burnham Road. More...

Civic Awards winners announced
THE names of the four winners of this year's Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Civic Awards were announced on Thursday (June 18th). The four include Annette Haggitt of Burnham Tourist Information Centre (pictured) and Hazel Braund of the Burnham Choral Society. More...

Classic car show this weekend
VINTAGE and classic vehicle owners will be displaying their motors at a special Father’s Day event taking place at a Somerset garden centre this weekend (June 20th and 21st). Buses, motorbikes, vans and cars are due at the show at Sanders Garden World at Brent Knoll, near Burnham. More...

Man to be deported after raid
A TURKISH man found working illegally at this kebab shop in Burnham-On-Sea is due to be removed from the UK over the coming days after his arrest by the UK Border Agency on Wednesday night (June 17th). Acting on intelligence, immigration officers from the Agency went to Kebab Kitchen, 48 High Street, at about 5.15pm. More...

Major revamp for town hospital
EXCITEMENT is growing among staff and supporters of Burnham-On-Sea War Memorial Hospital as builders prepare to start work on a major upgrade to the hospital's facilities. The work is set to start on June 22nd and should be completed within the next nine months, early in 2010. More...

Man held in immigration probe
ONE man was arrested following a police immigration raid on a kebab shop in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday evening (June 17th). A team of Border Police were seen outside the Kebab Kitchen in the High Street just before 5pm. A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with border agency matters. More...

150th birthday celebrated!
HIGHBRIDGE residents have this week been flocking to St John's Church in the town, where celebratations are underway to mark its 150th year since its consecration. The celebrations began on Monday (June 15th) when the church's wedding and baptism records went on show. More...

Police warning after break-ins
RESIDENTS in Burnham and Highbridge have this week been urged to pay attention to household security following three burglaries on Tuesday night (June 16th). The spate of thefts happened across Highbridge and police say it appears that the thieves are targeting homes with unlocked doors and open windows. More...

Lottery funding bid to be decided
Exclusive: A £360,000 bid for National Lottery funding to transform Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens will be decided later this month - with hopes high that some of the financial gloom surrounding regeneration can be lifted. The ambitious £485,600 project to redevelop the seafront garden has been several years in the planning. More...

Royal link to man found in river
THE body of a middle-aged man found washed up in a river estuary near Burnham-On-Sea last month had links with the Royal family, it has been reported in a national newspaper. The Daily Mail has reported that David Lowe was the husband of Prince Charles's flower arranger. More...

Lord Mandelson to the rescue?
MORE pressure has this week been put on government minister Peter Mandelson to reconsider the controversial withdrawal of £750,000 of funding by the South West Regional Development Agency for Burnham-On-Sea's regeneration. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported last weekend how MP David Heathcoat-Amory had asked Lord Mandelson - now a council leader has written to him too. More...

Boat crew in wildlife rescue
WILDLIFE rescuers called on the help of a Burnham-based rescue boat crew to retrieve an injured swan this week. Secret World staff requested the assistance of the BARB rescue boat on the Huntspill River at Burtle, where the animal had been spotted in a distressed state. More...

In photos: Kindergarten fete
LARGE crowds of families attended the annual summer fete of Burnham-On-Sea Southleigh Kindergarten on Saturday (June 13th). A wide range of entertainment was laid on for the youngsters at the popular event in Rectory Road. In addition to face painting, drumming and a treasure hunts, there were games and raffles. More...

Toby is British Champion!
Exclusive: PROUD Burnham-On-Sea water skier Toby Duggan is celebrating this week after winning the title of British Champion... for the third year running! Toby, 13, was handed this huge trophy after winning the latest round of the British Championships in Weston-super-Mare on Saturday. More...

Roundabout work set to begin
Exclusive: Work to build a new roundabout at a busy Burnham-On-Sea road junction is to begin next week. Somerset County Council's Highways Department has confirmed that work to create the new mini roundabout at the junction of Pepperall Road and Burnham Road will start on June 22nd. More...

In photos: Learn To Fish Day
SCORES of youngsters turned up to try their hand at fishing during a Learn To Fish Day at Apex Wildlife Park in Highbridge on Sunday (June 14th). The event, organised by local angling shop The Fishing Tackle Man, was supported by five experienced anglers who handed out advice and technique tips. More...

Down searched for missing man
COASTGUARDS from Burnham-On-Sea conducted a search of Brean Down for a man reported to be in a distressed state on Sunday evening (June 14th). Amid concern for the man's welfare, a police helicopter was also flown in from Portishead to join the air and land search. More...

Town's first YouthFest to be held
A FUN-packed line-up of activities from more than 20 local groups will be held at Burnham-On-Sea's first youth festival this Sunday (June 21st). The free event is being run by Burnham Youth Town Council and Burnham and District Lions and will take place in the Manor Gardens. More...

Archery visit for local Guides
THIRTY members of Brent Knoll Guides were on target when they visited the Berrow's Coastal Archers group this week. The Guides had chosen archery as their activity to qualify for their Yearly Challenge Badge, which they can earn through a wide range of activities of their choice. More...

School visits town pottery shop
DOZENS of youngsters from a Birmingham school visited Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday (June 12th) and they especially enjoyed dropping in at a seafront pottery shop. A total of 42 children from Woodside School and Community Centre painted their thumbs and put their prints on two bowls. More...

Records fall at Burnham triathlon
A RECORD number of 350 athletes took part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual triathlon on Sunday (June 14th), with the perfect weather conditions helping the winner to finish in a record time. Gary Gerrard, 45, from the Royal Marines team in Devon won the event in a record fast time. More... | Gallery | Results

Family helped from mudflats
A RESCUE hovercraft and a team of Coastguards rushed to Brean on Sunday (June 14th) after five people got into difficulty on the mudflats. Beach wardens raised the alarm after spotting two children, aged 9 and 12, with three adults struggling in waist-deep mud approximately half a mile from the shore. More...

MP's letter to Lord Mandelson
BURNHAM's MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, has this week written to Lord Mandelson stating his anger at the withdrawal of funding by the South West Regional Development Agency for the town's regeneration project. He has asked Peter Mandelson to re-consider the decision. More...

Swarms of bees land on beach
Exclusive: SEVERAL large swarms of bees descended on parts of Berrow beach on Saturday (June 13th), sending holidaymakers scurrying for cover. Beach wardens called on the help of a bee keeper from Burnham-On-Sea, pictured above, to remove the insects, which buzzed around cars and landed on parasols. More...

In photos: Burnham Smile Walk
MORE than 40 colourfully dressed walkers strode out for charity when Burnham-On-Sea's annual Smile Walk took place on Sunday (June 14th). The fancy dress walk started by the town's jetty and the walkers then made their way along The Esplanade, passing the Sailing Club . More... | Gallery

MBE for school secretary
A FORMER school secretary from Highbridge has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours, announced on Saturday (June 13th). Elizabeth Hughes, who was secretary of Beechfield Infant School in Highbridge, has been chosen for the award to mark her services to education. More...

In photos: 15th Brent Knoll Fete
LARGE crowds flocked to Brent Knoll's annual fete on Saturday afternoon (June 13th). The event, held on the playing field besides the village hall, was opened by Mike Simmonds, the village's former past master at the post office on Brent Corner. Thousands of pounds was expected to be raised at the event. More...

Sooty entertains Brean families
CROWDS of children and their fanilies flocked to Brean on Saturday afternoon (June 13th) to enjoy a special performance by TV's Sooty and friends. Richard Cadell from Childrens ITV performed two free live shows with Sooty, Sweep and Soo at Brean Leisure Park in front of several hundred spectators. More...

Motorist sentenced after crash
A 44-year-old motorist who crashed a BMW through the wall of a Burnham-On-Sea home in an early morning accident has this week been given a two-year suspended jail term. Burnham-On-Sea.com reported in May how Patrick Caulton, from Bridgwater, had been arrested after careering off Marine Drive at speed. More...

Athletes prepare for triathlon
HUNDREDS of athletes will be taking part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual triathlon on Sunday morning (June 14th). The popular event will start at 6.15am at the Burnham-On-Sea Swim and Sports Acadaemy in Berrow Road and will consist of a 500m swim, followed by a 20km cycle and a 5km beach run. More...

Arrest after public disorder
Exclusive: POLICE arrested a man in Brean on Thursday evening (June 11th) after a 'public disorder disturbance' in the centre of the village. Four police cars were called to South Road, as pictured, after an incident outside the Pontins holiday camp in South Road at 4.54pm. More...

New bistro to open in Burnham
Exclusive: A BRAND new bistro and coffee house is set to open in Burnham-On-Sea next month. Yorkshire couple Sam and Steven Crowden have this week signed a deal to take over the lease of the former French's cafe in College Street, which shut down more than six months ago. More...

Lifeboat called to windsurfer
A BURNHAM-On-Sea lifeboat was launched on Thursday evening (June 11th) to help a windsurfer in difficulty in Bridgwater Bay. The surfer got into problems when the fin underneath his board snapped off, leaving him floundering in the channel. A fisherman had spotted the man in trouble close to the entrance of the River Brue. More...

New town art exhibition opens
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Lighthouse Arts Group has this week started its annual exhibition of colourful paintings at a gallery in the town. The Lighthouse Arts Group comprises of 15 artists with 15 very individual styles, making for a varied display of art that is well worth a visit over the next few weeks. More...

Sooty and Sweep come to Brean
KIDS TV stars Sooty and Sweep will be performing a free show in Brean this Saturday (June 13th). Richard Cadell from Childrens ITV, pictured, will be performing a show at 1pm in front of a crowd at Brean Leisure Park. The event will be free and open to all throughout the afternoon. More...

Woman injured on seafront
A YOUNG woman was rushed to hospital with head injuries on Thursday morning (June 11th) after a seafront accident involving a car and a pedestrian. A large area of The Esplanade, near the top of Cross Street, was closed to traffic as police began their investigation into what happened. More...

New-look store to open in July
Exclusive: THE transformation of a Burnham-On-Sea supermarket from Somerfield into Morrisons is set be completed early next month. Burnham-On-Sea.com understands staff have this week been told that Monday July 6th is the target date for the Pier Street store to be officially opened for the first time. More...

Your views on UFO sighting
Exclusive: A MYSTERY UFO that was spotted in the skies over Burnham-On-Sea was probably a floating Chinese lantern, according to our readers. We invited your comments after reporting how an unidentified orange ball had been spotted in the sky above Burnham Area Youth Centre on May 30th. More...

Police called to car park crash
POLICE were called to a seafront car park in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday evening (June 10th) after a two-car accident. Two vehicles collided in the Pier Street car park next to the former Somerfield store at 8pm, leaving one vehicle with severe front-end damage, as pictured here. More...

Fire crews help lady locked in car
A BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crew was called out to help release a lady who was locked in her car on Thursday evening (June 10th). One fire engine from Burnham was sent to the property in Berrow Road to help release the elderly woman after an electrical fault caused her to get trapped. More...

Laptop stolen in school break-in
MEAN thieves stole a laptop computer and a digital camera from a school in Burnham-On-Sea last weekend. Police officers investigating the case have this week issued an appeal for information following the break-in at St Joseph's School. Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously. More...

Nursing home will shut in July
Exclusive: A struggling nursing home on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront is to shut down this summer, it was confirmed by the property's owners this week. The owners of Beverley Cottage residential care home, situated on the North Esplanade, confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com that the home is to close down in July. More...

UFO spotted in skies above town
Exclusive: A MYSTERIOUS UFO has been spotted in the skies over Burnham-On-Sea by a group of youngsters, who filmed the object on a mobile phone. Jordan Gilroy and several friends watched the unidentified orange ball while they were outside the Burnham Youth Centre. More...

Sea baptism held in Burnham
Exclusive: A HIGHBRIDGE churchgoer was baptized in the sea next to Burnham-On-Sea's jetty this week. Liz Ryan of Burnham Community Church waded into the waters of Bridgwater Bay to be baptized by Pastors Steve Mason and Andy Selby during the ceremony in front of 50 spectators. More...

Traders' anger over regeneration
FURIOUS traders in Burnham-On-Sea have expressed their anger at this week's news that the town is not to receive a single penny of funding from the South West Regional Development Agency towards regeneration. Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade's commitee, pictured, released a statement on Tuesday evening (June 9th). More...

Join Smile Walk this Sunday!
DOZENS of walkers dressed in fancy dress will be striding along Burnham's seafront on Sunday (June 14th) when the town's Smile Walk takes place. The fundraising event, now in its fourth year, draws dozens of walkers to the seafront and raises thousands of pounds for a school in India. More...

Octopus Centre celebrations
DOZENS of toddlers and their families attended a special party at Burnham-On-Sea's Octopus Children Centre to mark its first year of operation on Friday (June 5th). Lots of activities, with the theme of messy play and a bear hunt, were held at the popular centre in Winchester Road. More...

Regeneration anger grows
FURIOUS Burnham-On-Sea regeneration bosses have reacted with anger to the news that the town is not to receive a single penny of funding from the South West Regional Development Agency over the next two years. We reported on Monday how SWRDA had announced Burnham's Civic Pride project would not be getting funding. More...

In photos: Scouts investiture
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were the special guests at the investiture of eight young cubs on Monday (June 8th). Derick Cooper and wife Christine handed out certificates to the youngsters during a short ceremony for Burnham-On-Sea's thriving Kingfisher Cub Pack. More...

MP's anger over regeneration
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP said on Monday evening (June 8th) that he will be raising the "disgraceful" decision by the South West Regional Development Agency to terminate funding for the town's regeneration project in Parliament. He was speaking after the controversial decision by the SWRDA. More...

Town drain covers 'not stolen'
RUMOURS that a dozen drain covers had been stolen from Burnham-On-Sea's seafront have been quashed with the news that Somerset County Council has simply been replacing them. Many of the drains along the South Esplanade have been cordoned off with bollards in recent days. More...

In photos: Panto Society awards
TROPHIES and certificates were handed out at Burnham-On-Sea Pantomime Society's annual presentation night on Friday evening (June 5th). Burnham's Mayor Derek Cooper and wife Christine were the special guests at the event, which was held in the Community Centre in Berrow Road. More...

Regeneration dealt a blow
PLANS to regenerate Burnham-On-Sea were dealt a heavy blow today (Monday June 8th) with the announcement that the town is not to gain much-needed funding for the project. The South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) announced which regeneration schemes across the region have gained funding, but Burnham's Civic Pride project was not on the list. More...

Second dog killed on Down
Exclusive: A BEACH warden has repeated his warning for dog owners to keep their pets on leads while walking on Brean Down after the death of a second animal in just a week on Sunday (June 7th). Pete Williams, pictured, was called to the southern side of the Down on Sunday afternoon. More...

Flood drama at Burnham church
HEAVY rainfall sent torrents of water flooding through the ceiling of a Burnham-On-Sea church on Sunday evening (June 7th). Fire crews were called to Burnham Methodist Church in College Street, as pictured here, after the water gushed through the ceiling. Shocked churchwardens put out buckets to try and catch the water. More...

Sky-diving Rose ready to leap!
A PLUCKY Burnham-On-Sea woman is making final preparations to perform a tandem skydive in aid of a local charity this Friday (June 12th). Rosemary Le-Marchand, 56, will travel to Devon's Dunkerswell Airfield to leap out of a plane at 15,000 feet. "I'm not nervous at all," she told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week. More...

Crowds flock to town jazz event
LARGE crowds flocked to Burnham-On-Sea's Manor Gardens on Sunday (June 7th) for the town's annual Jazz In The Park. The free entertainment included music from acclaimed 20-piece group Boulevard Swing, who played a full line-up of swing tunes, during the four-hour free event. More...

Town store shuts after 25 years
A BURNHAM shoe shop served its final customers and closed its doors for the last time on Saturday evening (June 6th) after 25 years of business. Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report earlier this year how JPS Footwear, situated on the corner of the High Street and Pier Street, would be closing with the loss of six jobs. More...

In photos: Classic cars in town
MORE than 120 classic vehicles arrived on Burnham seafront on Saturday evening (June 6th) for the 16th annual Vale of Avalon Vintage Vehicle Road Run. Poor weather meant the crowd of spectators was down on previous years - but dozens still turned out to watch. More... | Gallery

MP congratulates councillors
Exclusive: MP David Heathcoat-Amory congratulated Burnham and Highbridge's victorious Conservative county council election candidates during a visit to the town on Saturday morning (June 6th). The Burnham MP said Friday's election results, where the Conservatives won every seat in the Burnham area, had "exceeded expectations". More...

Injured swan rescued from lake
A RESCUE boat was used to retrieve this injured swan from a Burnham-On-Sea lake on Friday evening (June 5th) after a razor-sharp fishing hook became embedded in its beak. The female swan had been spotted in an agitated state by staff at Lakeside Holiday Park, who contacted local wildlife charity Secret World. More...

Classic cars due to arrive in town
MORE than 100 vintage vehicles will arrive on Burnham seafront tonight (Saturday June 6th) for the 16th annual Vale of Avalon Vintage Vehicle Road Run. The organisers hope large crowds will flock to see the rare and vintage cars on display and donate money to charity. More...

CCTV man helped solve robbery
A CCTV camera operator has this week been handed a police award for his role in helping to catch a thief who stole £40,000 of diamonds from a Burnham-On-Sea antiques shop. Barry Donbavand collected the commendation on behalf of Sedgemoor District Council's CCTV Office. More...

Church's flower festival opens
A THREE-day flower festival has opened at a Burnham-On-Sea church which is celebrating its 130th anniversary. Burnham's Mayor Derick Cooper and his wife Christine officially opened the festival at Burnham Methodist Church in College Street on Friday afternoon (June 5th). It runs until Sunday evening. More...

Truck destroyed in field blaze
THOUSANDS of pounds of damage was caused to this charred fork lift truck after a mechanical fault set it alight near Burnham on Thursday evening (June 4th). Firefighters from Burnham-On-Sea and Cheddar rushed to a field besides Voles Road at 5.24pm when the vehicle was reported to be on fire. More...

Tories sweep to victory in elections
CONSERVATIVE Party candidates in the Burnham-On-Sea area are celebrating today (Friday June 5th) after winning all four county council seats in the area. Peter Burridge-Clayton (pictured) won the Burnham North seat, while John Woodman clinched Highbridge and Burnham South, Mark Healey won the Huntspill ward and Alan Ham won in Brent. More... | Election results

In photos: Weston hotel blaze
TWO fire engines from Burnham-On-Sea were called to Weston-super-Mare this evening (Thursday, June 4th) after a major blaze swept through a seafront hotel. Dozens of firefighters from across the area were battling to save The Royal Pier Hotel after it caught alight late this afternoon. More...

40 take part in seafront race
DOZENS of runners from across the South West took part in a 5km race on Burnham-On-Sea seafront on Thursday evening (June 4th). The event, organised by Burnham Swim and Sports Academy and backed by Burnham Harriers Running Club, attracted more than 40 entrants. More...

Polls close in local elections
THE eleven candidates contesting the four county council seats in the Burnham-On-Sea area face a nervous wait until Friday afternoon (June 5th) to find out the results. Polls closed at 10pm on Thursday evening after a busier-than-expected day at the polling stations. More... | Elections Guide

Garden centre gives Lions boost
A GARDEN centre has this week presented the Burnham-On-Sea and District Lions Club with a cheque for £400. The money was donated by visitors to Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll and will be used by the Lions Club to support charities in the area, including Children’s Hospice South West. More...

Voting underway in elections
POLLING stations across Burnham-On-Sea opened at 7am this morning (Thursday, June 4th) as voting got underway in the County Council elections. Eleven candidates are contesting four County Council seats in the Burnham area. The results are not due to be announced until Friday. More... | Elections Guide

Fire crews battle hotel blaze
TWO fire engines from Burnham-On-Sea fire were called to Weston-super-Mare on Thursday evening (June 4th) after a major blaze swept through a seafront hotel. Dozens of firefighters from across the area were battling to save The Royal Pier Hotel after it caught alight late this afternoon. More...

Garden World scheme approved
Exclusive: Controversial proposals to build a new entrance and covered walkway at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll have this week been approved by district councillors. Members of the council's development control committe met in Burnham on Tuesday afternoon (June 2nd). More...

Top jazz in town this Sunday
THREE top jazz bands will perform at Jazz In The Park in Burnham-On-Sea's Manor Gardens this Sunday (June 7th). The free entertainment will include music from acclaimed 20-piece group Boulevard Swing, who will play a full line-up of foot-tapping swing tunes during the afternoon's schedule. More...

Sheep rescued from ditch
FIRE crews were called to West Huntspill, near Burnham, on Wednesday (June 3rd) after a sheep became stuck in a roadside ditch. Two engines from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater, together with a special rescue unit, were called at 4.16pm to Sloway Lane in the village. More...

Shop owner's council anger
Exclusive: THE owner of a prominent Burnham-On-Sea shoe shop which is set to shut this week after 25 years of business has been left fuming after the district council said it would not step in and take on the store for community use to prevent it being boarded up. JPS Footwear, situated on the corner of the High Street, is closing with the loss of six jobs this Saturday (June 6th). More...

Cherie Blair unveils Foley plaque
Exclusive: CHERIE Blair, the wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair, met members of Highbridge's Frank Foley committee this week during the unveiling of a brand new plaque in memory of the wartime hero. Reverend Robin Lodge and seven other members of Highbridge's Southwell Gardens Memorial Trust attended a special ceremony at the Sternberg Centre in Finchley, on Sunday (May 31st). More...

Burnham elections preview
BURNHAM-On-Sea.com provides a complete guide to the 2009 elections taking place across the area on Thursday (June 4th). Eleven candidates will be contesting four seats across the Burnham-On-Sea area in this year's county council elections. All the local County Council seats are up for grabs - and the Brent seat will be the most keenly contested. More...

Inflatable boats cause '999' call
A BURNHAM-On-Sea lifeboat was launched on Tuesday evening (June 2nd) amid fears that these youngsters could be swept away in their inflatable dinghies in Bridgwater Bay. A seafront walker raised the alarm after three inflatable boats were seen being taken into the sea near the town's jetty. More...

Berrow beach warden injured
POLICE from Burnham-On-Sea were called to Berrow on Saturday afternoon (May 30th) after a beach warden was run over by a passing car. An ambulance and police officers were called to the beach parking area at 1pm, as pictured here, after the driver allegedly failed to stop. More...

'A sad day for Highbridge'
Exclusive: THIS once-thriving shop in the heart of Highbridge has this week been boarded up, having been repossessed as the recession starts to make a visible mark on the town. Much to the anguish of local residents and businesses, the glass windows of Highbridge News in Church Street were replaced by wooden boards on Monday (June 1st). More...

Praise for retiring councillor
LONG-standing Burnham-On-Sea County Councillor Mike Facey has this week been praised for his community work in the town as he steps out of local politics. Mr Facey has represented the Burnham-On-Sea North ward for 12 years. During a town council meeting on Monday night (June 1st), his work was praised by Mayor Cllr Derick Cooper and Deputy Mayor Danny Titcombe. More...

New road set to be surfaced
WORK to surface Burnham-On-Sea's Frank Foley Parkway is going ahead this week in readiness for the scheduled opening of the road later this month. Work to build the missing link, between Love Lane and Pepperall Road, got underway in March and is on track to be completed in June. More...

Council gives boost to Princess
Exclusive: THE group running Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre has this week been handed a £1,000 cash boost from town councillors. The 'Friends Of The Princess' had requested financial help from the Town Council to promote the hall's music and entertainment events over the coming months. More...

Busy week for beach wardens
Exclusive: BEACH wardens in Brean have been kept busy over the Half Term holiday period, with THREE vehicles getting stuck in soft sand and mud. Over the past week, fast flowing tides have caught out several mototists along the several miles of sand - including this one here. More...

Watchfield fair helps village hall
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised towards improvements for a village hall near Highbridge on Saturday (May 30th) when a fundraising craft and produce fair was held. Dozens of people flocked to Watchfield Village Hall for the third annual craft fair, when a range of items were on sale during the day. More...

Mayor backs car campaign
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has this week backed a nationwide campaign supporting classic car owners. Cllr Derick Cooper signed a special scroll to back the campaign during a short ceremony in Highbridge on Sunday (May 31st), as pictured, watched by local members of the Austin Ten Drivers' Club. More...

Swimmers spark alarm
A walker's concern for two people in the sea at Brean on Sunday evening (May 31st) sparked an emergency call-out for Burnham-On-Sea's marine rescue teams. Coastguards, a lifeboat, and a hovercraft were called to Brean at 8.50pm after the pair were seen almost half a mile out from the shore. More...