March 2011 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

February 2011 news archive
January 2011 news archive

Brue Farm plans to go on show
PROPOSALS to develop a large area of land outside Highbridge will go on show to the public for the first time this Saturday (April 2nd). Hallam Land Management is holding an exhibition in Bank Street, Highbridge where plans to develop land at Brue Farm will be displayed. More...

Gardening workshops for kids
CHILDREN from the Burnham-On-Sea are being invited to Sanders Garden World to find out all about growing seeds during April. The garden centre in Brent Knoll is offering youngsters the opportunity to take part in the free workshops on Saturday April 16th and Sunday April 17th. More...

Gary's marathon fundraiser
A LOCAL runner who is in training to take part in this year's London Marathon will be holding an unusual fundraising event in East Huntspill this weekend. Gary Bowden, who is running the London Marathon, will be holding a mouse racing event on Saturday (2nd April). More...

Ofsted praise school's changes
OFSTED inspectors have visited Highbridge's King Alfred School and given positive feedback about a series of improvements that are underway. The report comes less than a year after Andy Owen, the new head teacher, took up his post. The Ofsted report finds him and his team to be a "driving force". More...

New guesthouse for seafront?
Exclusive: THIS prominent former nursing home on Burnham seafront could soon be turned into a new guesthouse under plans submitted this week. Beverley Cottage residential care home, which is situated on the North Esplanade, has been vacant since 2009. More...

Town police warning to vandals
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week issued a warning to vandals who have causing trouble in the town. It follows a spate of vandalism incidents in recent weeks - as reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com - when walls, gardens, phone boxes and cars have been damaged. More...

Hinkley jetty draws objection
SEDGEMOOR District Council has this week lodged a formal objection against EDF's plans to build a new temporary sea jetty next to Hinkley Point power station, near Burnham-On-Sea. At a full meeting on Wednesday afternoon, members voted in favour of objecting. More...

Beach pool is focus of new film
Exclusive: A NEW film inspired by Burnham-On-Sea's former beach paddling and boating pool is to be unveiled during a special screening in April. Called 'For All Our Tomorrows', the new short drama stars two budding local actors, Alec Cochran and Jake Morgan, in their on-screen debut. More...

Pre-school opens new garden
CHILDREN, staff and parents at Pawlett Pre-School braved a morning of rain on Wednesday (30th March) to officially open their new garden, which has been sponsored by several Burnham firms. Reverned Robin Hutt cut a ribbon to officially open the garden and the children brought colourful windsocks. More...

End of an era in Highbridge
Photo Special: THE end of an era unfolded in Highbridge this week when the town’s former Beechfield School came crashing down, as pictured here. The school closed last year, as reported here, when Beechfield and St John’s merged to form the new Churchfield School. More...

Garden centre celebrates win
STAFF at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World are celebrating after being presented with a top award for the Wales and West region. The centre has received an award for the Best Home Living Section in the Wales and West region from the Garden Centre Association (GCA). More...

Bishop thanks dedicated Sue
THE Bishop of Bath and Wells made a very special visit to East Huntspill at the weekend to thank a long-standing church member for a half century of service. For 50 years, Sue Elsworth has served All Saints Church in the village as its organist, churchwarden and treasurer. More...

Badger protest in Downing St
PAULINE Kidner, the founder of Secret World Wildlife Rescue Centre near Burnham-On-Sea, was among a group of protesters who travelled to Downing Street on Monday (March 28th) to hand over a huge 16,000 name petition against the culling of badgers across the UK. More...

£2m of new rides at Brean park
BREAN Leisure Park has this week unveiled £2million of new attractions as it gears up for the start of this year's tourist season. They include an ice rink, 18-hole mini golf course, indoor surfing facility, boating lake, glass maze and a new 'dark ride' rollercoaster. More...

What's on at The Ritz this week
BURNHAM-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews three of the latest films currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema. This week, she reviews The Eagle. Read more of Molly's reviews of the best films appearing at Burnham's cinema on Burnham-On-Sea.com each week. More...

Staff shortages hit post delivery
ROYAL Mail has this week apologised to residents in Burnham-On-Sea after delays to postal deliveries during the past fortnight. Many Burnham and Highbridge residents have found that packages passing through the Dunstan Road delivery office, pictured here, have been delayed by up to a week. More...

Highbridge pub calls time
THE future of this town centre pub in Highbridge has been plunged into question after it was closed down. The Globe in Newtown Road has been partially boarded up after landlords Sue and Chris Jefferies recently called time and moved out, leaving its doors closed to customers. More...

Hinkley uranium 'unfounded'
THE Environment Agency has said this week that claims that soil around Hinkley Point nuclear power station, near Burnham-On-Sea, is contaminated with enriched uranium are "unfounded". The claim was made by environmental group Green Audit at a public meeting earlier this year. More...

£5m roads boost welcomed
A BURNHAM-On-Sea councillor has welcomed the news that the government has given Somerset County Council an extra £5m to carry out road repairs. The cash injection was announced during the budget last week, but the full details have only been confirmed this week. More...

Royal wedding fudge unveiled!
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea fudge maker is celebrating the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton by making a very special batch of fudge. Burnham's Jonathan Walter, pictured, is well known for his fudge-making skills, and is making wedding cake fudge. More...

New hovercraft plans unveiled
Exclusive: A new commercial hovercraft service could soon launch in Burnham-On-Sea, providing commuters and holidaymakers with trips to South Wales, we can reveal. Chris Marrow, the entrepreneur behind previous plans to launch a ferry in the Bristol Channel, is investigating the viability of a hovercraft. More...

Park fights spread of ragwort
THE team at Highbridge's Friends of Apex Park have this week launched a battle to halt the spread of a potentially dangerous weed. The group is concerned about the rapid growth of ragwort in Apex Park's wild flower meadow, which is gradually taking over the area. More...

Brave John planning skydive
A BURNHAM-On-Sea Parkinson's sufferer is planning a daring skydive to raise funds for a charity that helps people affected by the disease. John Thatcher, 57, will undertake the skydive on April 9th with the aim of raising over £1,000 for Parkinson's UK, which is seeking a cure for the condition. More...

Monopoly dance show in town
BURNHAM-On-Sea's DanceFit Club and The Bay Club Dancers are in final rehearsals for their show at the town's Princess Theatre this Saturday (April 2nd). The performance - which will be the first at the building under the new ownership of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council - will be called 'Chance 2 Dance, A Monopoly Showcase'. More...

Actors sail into Brent Knoll
CAST members from Weston Operatic Society commandeered the pirate ship in the children’s play area at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World this week to promote their forthcoming production. The crew of the musical 'Guys & Dolls' entertained visitors at the garden centre. More...

Beach aquathlon success
MORE than 60 athletes took part in the latest Burnham-On-Sea seafront aquathlon on Sunday morning (March 27th). The popular event, which was organised by Burnham Swim and Sports Academy, comprised of a 500 metre swim in the town pool, followed by a 5km beach run. More...

Busy year for RNLI recounted
MORE than 40 lifeboat supporters and crewmembers attended the annual meeting of Burnham-On-Sea RNLI on Friday (25th March) when a busy year for the station was recounted. Held at the town's Sailing Club on the seafront, the meeting included a full look back at the year. More...

100 attend Burnham concert
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were among more than 100 people who attended a fundraising concert in the town's Princess Theatre on Sunday evening (March 27th). Burnham-On-Sea and District Lions Club organised the concert, with the town band and Lions youth brass band. More...

£5k boost for BARB hovercrafts
MEMBERS of a Bristol sailing club have presented a £5,000 donation to Burnham-On-Sea rescue hovercraft charity BARB. Bristol Cruising Club members handed over the surprise donation during a promotional event in the city onboard the club's boat in the Bristol Harbour. More...

Family escapes upturned car
Exclusive: A FAMILY had a lucky escape from this upturned car after it careered off the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (March 27th). Fire, police and ambulance services were called to the southbound carriageway near junction 22 at Burnham-On-Sea just before 4pm after the Ford Fusion came off the carriageway, flipped over. More...

£7,000 raised for charities
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea's Moose International Lodge Ladies Circle have this week handed over almost £7,000 to two charities following a busy year of fundraising. The ladies held a series of coffee mornings, teas, sales and supermarket collections to raise the money. More...

St Joseph's gets eco-friendly
A BURNHAM-On-Sea school has this week been presented with 50 free young trees to help improve its grounds. St Joseph’s Primary School will use the saplings from Monkton Elm Garden and Pet Centre, near Taunton, to make the school more eco-friendly in the coming months. More...

Mayor leads Apex tree planting
Photo Special: MEMBERS of Burnham In Bloom, Burnham Dreamscheme and the Friends of Apex Park rolled up their sleeves on Saturday morning (March 26th) to take part in a nationwide tree planting project. The trees were supplied by the Royal Horticultural Society. More...

Fire crews tackle house blaze
FIREFIGHTERS from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater were called to tackle a big house fire in the centre of Berrow this morning (Saturday, March 26th). Two fire engines from Burnham and a further engine from Bridgwater were called to the property in Berrow Road at 11.16am, as pictured here. More... | Video

New recycling hours confirmed
SOMERSET Waste Partnership's Board voted in favour of introducing reduced opening times and charges at Highbridge's Isleport Recycling Centre on Friday (March 25th). The decision means that from 4th April, opening hours will be cut to 40 hours year-round. More...

Mark's Weakest Link challenge
A POLICE officer who lives near Burnham-On-Sea narrowly missed out on winning £950 when he appeared on BBC1's Weakest Link this week, but he didn't manage to avoid an attack from host Anne Robinson! Mark Vicary, who is a Bristol police officer, appeared on Thursday's episode of the show. More...

Ofsted praise for kids centre
STAFF and children at Highbridge Children’s Centre had a 'bitter sweet' celebration on Thursday (March 24th) with the announcement they had been awarded an 'outstanding' assessment by Ofsted inspectors - just a week before the centre's manager retires. More...

Town MP meets PayPoint boss
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP met with the boss of PayPoint this week to press for more facilities in the town to top-up electricity and gas payment keys. Tessa Munt met Peter Brooker, Head of Corporate Affairs at PayPoint, in parliament to discuss availability in the town. More...

School demolition to proceed
Exclusive: WORK to demolish Highbridge’s former Beechfield School will begin next week following the completion of an investigation into the possible discovery of a colony of bats in the building. Wildlife experts were called in by Somerset County Council earlier this week. More...

Burnham RNLI AGM preview
BURNHAM-On-Sea lifeboat station will be holding its Annual Open Meeting at the town's Sailing Club this evening (Friday 25th March). The evening will include a short talk by Adrian Carey, RNLI Inspector, who will discuss latest initiatives in the nationwide lifeboat charity. More...

Crane-in starts sailing season
TWO huge cranes towered over Burnham-On-Sea's Sailing Club on Thursday morning (March 24th) when the annual spring 'crane-in' saw 23 boats hoisted into the River Brue. The annual tradition is arranged each Spring by members of the Sailing Club to tie in with the start of the sailing season. More...

Tourist centre staff thanked
A SMALL event was held today (Thursday, March 24th) to thank the staff at Burnham-On-Sea's Tourist Information Centre as the facilities closed for the final time under Sedgemoor District Council's control. The centre will close for three weeks and then re-open under the management of BIARS. More...

'Serious' Hinkley fears raised
SEDGEMOOR District Council's Executive Committee has this week voice serious concerns over proposals to expand Hinkley Point power station. A meeting of Sedgemoor District Council’s Executive Committee was held on Wednesday (March 23rd) when the issue was discussed. More...

Fire crew tackles shed blaze
SPARKS from a bonfire caused a shed blaze in Burnham-On-Sea early this morning (Friday, March 25th). Burnham-On-Sea firefighters were called to the property in Highbridge Road at 3.13am to extinguish the blaze, which they think was accidentally set alight. More...

First look at new town clock
Exclusive: THIS £14,000 four-sided clock has this week emerged as the front-running design to replace Highbridge's crumbling landmark. A group of Town Councillors took a first look at the artwork for the proposed clock at their meeting on Wednesday evening (March 23rd). More...

Charity concert this Sunday
BURNHAM-On-Sea and District Lions Club are holding a charity concert at the town's Princess Theatre on Sunday (March 27th). The Lions Brass 4 Youth Band and Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Band will both be peforming at the event, starting at 7pm. More...

Town's bible reading marathon
A WEEK-long Bible reading marathon is to be held in Burnham-On-Sea during May to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. The event at St Andrew's Church will be held from May 23rd-30th to celebrate the anniversary of the 1611 King James translation. More...

Hotel owner 'hopeful' for property
Exclusive: THE owner of the fire-ravaged Highbridge Hotel has told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week he is "hopeful" that a new owner for the site will be found soon - three years on from a huge blaze. Derek Mead's comments follow a huge fire at the building in April 2008. More...

Tourist bosses hit the road!
TOURISM bosses from Brean Leisure Park joined teams from Wookey Hole and Fleet Air Arm Museum in promoting the area as a holiday destination to the people of South Wales last week. The promotional tour visited Asda stores around South Wales, including Cardiff and Swansea. More...

Concerns over tourist panel
A TOURIST information display board in Burnham-On-Sea town centre could soon be moved by the Town Council amid concern that it is hidden behind a trader's stall during the busy summer season. The 'You Are Here' board is fixed to the wall of the 99p Store. More...

Roadside bursts into colour
VERGES along the main route into Burnham-On-Sea have burst into colour, thanks to the volunteer work of two local groups. Members of Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club and Burnham-On-Sea Scout Group planted 200 crocus bulbs along Queens Drive last autumn and now the flowers are blooming. More...

Census collectors warning
POLICE are warning residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area to beware of bogus callers posing as census collectors over the next few days. The census is a count of the population in the UK that takes place every 10 years and this year it is happening on March 27th. More...

Film makers issue flood alert
SEA defences around Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge, Weston, Sand Bay and Clevedon could be overwhelmed by global warming’s floodwaters, a new film made by Weston College students for the Environment Agency has warned this week. The film has been put together as part of an EA project. More...

Car damaged by town vandals
Exclusive: VANDALS have struck yet again in Burnham-On-Sea this week, smashing the windows of this parked car. The Citroen Xsara was in Winchester Road when its windscreen, drivers window and rear screen were smashed by vandals on Sunday night. More...

Bats to delay school demolition?
Exclusive: THE demolition of Highbridge’s Beechfield School could be delayed by the possible discovery of a colony of bats in the roof of the building. Wildlife experts have been called in by Somerset County Council this week to investigate whether the animals are nesting in the roof of the former school. More...

Town's MP backs Libya action
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week given her backing to military action in Libya. Tessa Munt voted in favour of the action during a House of Commons debate on Monday (March 21st). Her comments come as the US, UK and France continued raids on Libya. More...

Rose's postcard wins contest
A BURNHAM-On-Sea artist's drawing of Glastonbury Tor surrounded by a flock of starlings has won a competition to design a postcard that best represents Somerset. Rose Marcia, who attends art courses in Burnham's Somerset Skills and Learning Centre, has been named the winner. More...

Nursery joins Red Nose fun
FUN-loving children and staff at a Burnham-On-Sea nursery have raised money for Comic Relief by wearing red clothes for a day. The youngsters at Fairstart Nursery in Princess Street held their own fundraising event to mark the BBC Red Nose Day festivities, as pictured here. More...

In photos: Beach buggy racing
DOZENS of kite buggying enthusiasts from across the UK converged on Brean on Sunday (March 20th) to take part in an endurance race. 22 teams from as far afield as London, Wales and Plymouth took part in the event, which was organised by regional group SWATK. More...

Delay to Hinkley plans 'minimal'
POWER firm EDF Energy has said this week that Japan's nuclear crisis is unlikely to significantly delay its plans to expand its Hinkley Point power station near Burnham-On-Sea. Energy secretary Chris Huhne last week asked chief nuclear inspector Mike Weightman to review the safety of nuclear power. More...

Rebels set to roar into action
THE Somerset Rebels will be starting their 2011 season in a big way this Friday night (March 25th) with the opposition being Elite League Champions the Coventry Bees. A big crowd is expected to flock to the Oak Tree Arena near Highbridge to watch the season opener under the floodlights. More...

This week's Ritz films reviewed
BURNHAM-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews three of the latest films currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema. This week, she reviews PAUL, Unknown and Brighton Rock. Read more of Molly's reviews of the best films showing in Burnham on Burnham-On-Sea.com each week. More...

Beavers celebrate 25th year
CELEBRATING youngsters at Burnham-On-Sea Beavers marked the 25th anniversary of their group with a fun-filled party on Sunday afternoon (March 20th). Over 45 children and leaders joined the special occasion at Burnham's Scout HQ at the town's BASC Ground. More...

Guesthouse struck by crime
Exclusive: A guesthouse owner in Burnham-On-Sea is counting the cost of crime after suffering vandalism and a break-in. Mean vandals pulled up flowers and plants from the award-wining garden of Ashbourne House in Berrow Road on Saturday night before throwing them over pavements. More...

Golfer's tee-rific fundraiser!
BURNHAM-On-Sea professional golfer Nick Pope has raised hundreds of pounds for Comic Relief by helping golfers hone their skills. Nick offered free golf lessons on Red Nose Day in return for a donation to the charity - and was delighted to raise a tee-rific £800! More...

MP attacks recycling cuts
BURNHAM'S MP has this week attacked County Council proposals to introduce charges and slash the opening hours at Highbridge Recycling Centre as part of ongoing cost-cutting moves. During a visit to the centre at Highbridge's Isleport Industrial Estate, Tessa Munt praised staff for the professional service they provide. More...

Club strikes gold in Portugal
GYMNASTS from Highbridge's Monarchs Acrobatics Club have returned home from Portugal happy after winning a number of medals at the Maia International Acro Cup Gymnastics Competition. They joined young gymnasts from eight different countries. More...

In photos: Mamma Mia night
OVER 110 people dressed in colourful sixties costumes flocked to the Oak Tree Arena at Edithmead on Saturday night (March 19th) for a fun-packed fundraising evening. The 'Mamma Mia' themed event raised over £900 for the Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Hospital. More...

Vandals strike again in town
A SPATE of vandalism in Burnham-On-Sea has continued over the weekend with a phone box being attacked and further walls being damaged in the town. Vandals smashed the glass surrounds of this phone box in Burnham Road, opposite the entrance to King Alfred School. More...

Japan quake victims helped
FUNDRAISERS across the Burnham-On-Sea area are rallying round to raise money for those affected by last week's Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club says there has been an "excellent response" to its collections at Sanders Garden World in recent days. More...

Library fight goes to London
Exclusive: Highbridge district councillor Joe Leach has taken the fight to save Highbridge Library from closure to London. Cllr Leach travelled to the Department for Communities and Local Government to hand deliver a letter to Secretary of State Eric Pickles. More...

Photo exhibition announced
BURNHAM-On-Sea Camera Club is to hold its third annual exhibition of photographs next month. Visitors to the exhibition at Burnham Area Youth Centre, in Cassis Close on Sunday April 17th will be able to browse a selection of images shot by the club's members. More...

Shaun takes a spaghetti bath!
THE manager of a Burnham-On-Sea pub raised £350 for Comic Relief by taking part in a sticky fundraiser! Shaun Linthorne from The Rosewood in Love Lane sat in a bath in the middle of his pub for three hours while customers paid to pour tins of spaghetti over him! More...

Sponsored knit raises £200
MEMBERS of Highbridge and Burnham Artists (HABA) raised £200 by swapping their painting brushes for knitting needles on Saturday (March 19th). The group held a sponsored knit at Burnham Community Centre in Berrow Road to raise funds for their arts festival. More...

Baby yoga sessions to start
A NEW series of parent and baby yoga sessions are set to begin at Highbridge's King Alfred Sports Centre this month. The weekly sessions, which will cost £3 each, are to be held every Friday morning from 10.30-11.30am, starting from Friday 25th March onwards. More...

Shot swan released into wild
A FEMALE swan which survived being shot with an airgun near Burnham-On-Sea last month has been released back into the wild by wildlife carers. Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here how eight birds had been found shot dead with airgun pellets outside Blackford on 21st February. More...

In photos: Red Nose Day fun
RED Nose Day was marked in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge with a day of colourful fundraising on Friday (March 18th). Hundreds of pupils at King Alfred School in Highbridge paid a donation to take part in a 'wear what you want' day, raising more than £1,000 for Comic Relief. More...

Safety calls after child hit by car
Exclusive: A Burnham-On-Sea school headteacher has called for road safety improvements to be made after a child was knocked down by a passing car earlier this week. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported on Wednesday afternoon (March 16th) that a four year-old boy had been taken to hospital. More...

Fire drama at Highbridge home
BURNHAM-On-Sea firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a Highbridge home last night (Thursday, March 17th). One fire engine was sent to the Poplar Estate at 10.30pm to extinguish a blaze within an outbuilding on the side of a home, as exclusively pictured here. More...

Sponsored knit this Saturday!
KNITTING needles and yarns of wool will be the focus for members of Highbridge and Burnham Artists (HABA) this Saturday (March 19th) when they hold an unusual fundraising event. The group is holding a sponsored knit from 9.45am-noon at the Community Centre. More...

Missing man found on beach
A missing person was found on Brean beach this evening (Thursday, March 17th) after a big search operation. The 23 year-old man in a 'distressed' state was reported to be missing at 6pm near Unity Farm Holiday Park, prompting a search of the beach and surrounding area by coastguards and police. More...

Pupils celebrate rugby victory
THIS group of youngsters from Burnham-On-Sea's St Andrew's Junior School have been celebrating this week after winning a local tag rugby tournament. School teams from across the Burnham-On-Sea area competed at the annual Sedgemoor TAG festival. More...

Sanders picks charities of year
STAFF at a garden centre in Brent Knoll have this week selected the four groups which will be their ‘charities of the year’ for 2011. Sanders Garden World is set to host a series of fundraising activities with the four groups over the coming months to help them raise money. More...

Man avoids jail after crash
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man who injured another motorist when he drunkenly crashed his car has avoided a jail sentence this week. Scott Phillimore of Grenville Road in Burnham had to be cut from his car following the accident on the A371 on October 23rd last year. More...

Town TIC set to open in April
Exclusive: SOME of the volunteers who will be running Burnham-On-Sea's tourist information centre from mid-April have visited a thriving centre this week to pick up advice on how it is run. The BIARS (Burnham Information And Rescue Support) team were on a visit to Shepton Mallet. More...

Police appeal after vandalism
POLICE have appealed for help in tracing a group of vandals who caused damage in Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend by smashing windows, damaging cars and kicking down walls. Inspector Roger Tolley said "a gang of up to 12 youths" had been responsible for the damage. More...

Bloom team react to criticism
MEMBERS of Highbridge In Bloom have this week hit back at criticism of the town made by several local residents on Burnham-On-Sea.com's discussion forums. In an open letter to this website, the Highbridge in Bloom team seek to address the points and 'set the record straight'. More...

New look for Dreamscheme
THE leaders of Burnham-On-Sea's newly-formed Dreamscheme group have this week unveiled their new logo as they prepare for their first fundraising event. The logo comprises of a colourful kite flying in the sky with the word 'Dreamscheme' twisted along the tail behind it. More...

£410k Marine Cove revamp begins
Exclusive: A MAJOR project to refurbish Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove Gardens has got started this week. Work to restore the seafront gardens to their former glory began on Monday (March 14th) and is scheduled to be completed in September after 23 weeks of work. More...

RE Month opens pupils minds
STUDENTS at Highbridge's King Alfred and Churchfield Schools have been exploring religious faiths during a special Religious Education Month. The event started with a workshop at Churchfield Primary School when the pupils gave a presentation all about Islamic beliefs. More...

Boy, 4, hurt in town accident
A FOUR-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being knocked down in Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Wednesday, March 16th). Police and ambulance crews were called to the junction of Oxford Street and Ashley Avenue at 3.20pm, as pictured here, after the youngster was struck by a passing vehicle. More...

Deer killed at wildlife park
Exclusive: THE owners of a wildlife park near Burnham-On-Sea believe several deer that were killed early on Tuesday (March 15th) had been deliberately hunted out of their enclosure. A number of the animals at Alstone Wildlife Park, near Highbridge, were pulled free from the muddy banks of the River Brue after being scared out of their enclosure. More...

Town school hit by illness bug
Exclusive: PARENTS have this week been warned that a confirmed case of Hand, Foot and Mouth disease has been found at a Highbridge school. Churchfield Primary School's headteacher Wendy Nelder wrote to its parents on Tuesday (March 15th) to advise them about the illness. More...

Fancy becoming a councillor?
PEOPLE wishing to stand for election as a district, town or parish councillor in the Burnham-On-Sea area have until April 4th to submit their nomination paperwork. Notice of the election, which will take place on Thursday 5th May, has been published this week, signalling the start of the process. More...

Books brought to life in town
STAFF and children at Highbridge Children’s Centre have this week celebrated World Book Day by dressing up in costumes representing their favourite book characters. The group dressed up in colourful book-themed costumes including Batman, Snow White and Lazy Ladybird. More...

Wind farm consultation starts
FORMAL consultation has begun this week on plans to build five new wind turbines on land near East Huntspill. Sedgemoor District Council has received an application from EDF Energy Renewables for the proposed new turbines to be built on farmland near East Huntspill. More...

MP pays contested rental income
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has paid around £800 of contested income to Sedgemoor District Council following a strong of national press stories over the past year. Tessa Munt last year denied accusations that she had improperly claimed council tax benefits on her constituency home. More...

EDF reassures Hinkley fears
THE company that operates Hinkley Point power station, near Burnham-On-Sea, has this week reassured residents about its safety in the wake of the nuclear accident in Japan. It comes after the Stop Hinkley group said the explosion demonstrates the risks with nuclear. More...

Turn spuds into celebrities!
GREEN-fingered youngsters from the Burnham-On-Sea area will be able to show off their imaginative skills by creating a model with one of the county’s best-loved vegetables. Sanders Garden World is challenging children to create celebrities from potatoes during its annual potato festival in April. More...

Man arrested after ditch crash
POLICE have arrested a man who was rescued by fire crews from an upturned car on Sunday night (March 13th). His Audi A3 left the A370 at Lympsham at 9.11pm and ended up on its side in a water-filled ditch. He was later arrested after officers carried out a breath test. More...

Volunteer roadshow success
EIGHT volunteer groups from across Somerset attended a special awareness day in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (March 12th). Volunteers from the Royal British Legion, BARB, the RNLI and Police were among those attending the 'Volunteers In The Community Roadshow'. More...

Man rescued from car crash
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea helped to release a man trapped in an upturned car on Sunday night (March 13th). Crews were called to the A370 in Lympsham at 9.11pm after the vehicle left the highway and ended on its side in a ditch. Emergency services were quickly on the scene. More...

Mayor to hold wedding party
A DAY-LONG street party will be held in Burnham-On-Sea on the day after next month's Royal Wedding. The Victoria Hotel and Burnham's Mayor and Mayoress, Michael and Maria Clarke, are organising the event - to be called The Mayor's Right Royal Do at The Victoria. More...

'We're stumped by tree cuts'
RESIDENTS in part of Burnham-On-Sea have this week hit out at the district council for 'butchering' scores of trees - even though the council has defended its work as 'good arboricultural practice'. Several residents living around Worston Lane have contacted Burnham-On-Sea.com after Sedgemoor's tree cutting team cut back a line of roadside trees to stumps. More...

Festival fundraiser announced
JUST days after the curtain fell on this year's Highbridge Festival of the Arts, organisers have announced a fundraising concert is to be held in May to raise crucial funds to allow the 65th event to go ahead. Tickets have gone on sale for a Highbridge concert to be held on Saturday May 14th. More...

Coast Road closed this week
THE main road between Berrow and Brean will be close for four days this week while resurfacing work is carried out. Somerset County Council's highways team will close Coast Road from the junction with Hurn Lane to Unity Cottage from Tuesday morning (15th March). More...

Pier celebrates tourism week
BURNHAM-On-Sea's pier joined in a nationwide celebration to mark the start of British Tourism Week on Sunday afternoon (March 13th). The event, called Party On The Pier, included morris dancing and entertainment, plus visits from several local VIPs including the town's Mayor and Mayoress. More...

In photos: Fun run raises £280
A DOZEN Burnham-On-Sea youngsters raised more than £280 for Comic Relief by holding a fundraising run along the town's seafront on Sunday morning (March 13th). Burnham-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress, Michael and Maria Clarke, were among the crowd of supporters cheering off the girls. More...

'Halt Hinkley plans', calls group
THE proposed expansion of Hinkley Point power station near Burnham-On-Sea should be axed in light of this weekend's nuclear accident in Japan, according to anti-nuclear campaigners on Saturday (March 12th). The Stop Hinkley group claimed that the explosion at Fukushima nuclear power station in Japan shows the risks associated with nuclear power. More...

Show is a 'blooming' success
Photo Special: CROWDS of visitors flocked to Burnham-On-Sea Horticultural Society's annual Spring Show on Saturday afternoon (March 12th). Show Secretary David Bryant said the event, which was held in St Andrew's School, had been a resounding success with a large number of entries. More...

MP backs fair trade campaign
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt has this week joined Fairtrade Ambassador and five-times Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave at the launch of a new fair trade campaign. The launch comes at the start of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, highlighting the Fairtrade Foundation’s 'Great Cotton Stitch-Up' campaign to end unfair European cotton subsidies. More...

Local artist's work on show
A COLOURFUL painting of Burnham-On-Sea's iconic lighthouse by local artist Tim Smith will among those on display at an exhibition later this month. Tim's work will be on show between March 26th and April 3rd at his home studio at 47 Rosewood Avenue in Burnham. More...

Is £17m lotto winner in town?
Exclusive: RUMOURS have been circulating in Burnham-On-Sea that this week's winning £17million National Lottery ticket was bought in the town. Wednesday night's draw was a triple rollover and saw one ticket correctly pick the right numbers to win a huge £17,799,986. More...

Police reveal value of drugs haul
LAST week's drugs raids in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge netted £5,000 of drugs and £7,000 of cash, police said on Friday (March 11th). As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com last week, five people were arrested as police executed search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act. More...

Party on the Pier this Sunday
BURNHAM-On-Sea's pier will be joining in the nationwide celebrations to mark the launch of British Tourism Week this Sunday afternoon (March 13th). The Pavilion, which is the shortest in the whole country, will host a Party On The Pier from 12 noon. More...

Burnham joins trees project
MEMBERS of Burnham In Bloom, Burnham Dreamscheme and the Friends of Apex Park will be rolling up their sleeves later this month to take part in a nationwide tree planting project. They will be planting scores of saplings in the grounds of Apex Park on 26th March. More...

Tourism set for 'bumper' year
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's new 2011 tourist guide was formally launched on Thursday (March 10th) as local tourism businesses look forward to what promises to be a 'bumper' season. The 24-page brochure was officially unveiled by Bob Nicholson, Chairman of Somerset Tourism Association. More...

Red Nose Run this weekend
A DOZEN Burnham-On-Sea youngsters hope to raise a good sum for Comic Relief by holding their own fundraising beach run this weekend. The girls, all aged 8 and 9, have organised the event which starts besides Burnham-On-Sea's jetty at 10am this Sunday morning (March 13th). More...

Young boxer receives award
A YOUNGSTER at Highbridge's Titans Boxing Club has received an award for his excellent attendance over the past year. Leon Mills, aged 11, received a pair of boxing boots from Club Coach Pete Stacey and Assistant Coach John Swansbury this week as a special reward. More...

Police win community awards
POLICE officers in the Burnham-On-Sea area have this week won several prestigious awards in the annual competition to find the best bobbies on the beat in the Avon and Somerset force area. Esther Robinson became Somerset West Beat Manager of the year and the Berrow Beat Team were also praised. More...

MP visits theatre rehearsals
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP and Mayor have this week given their support to members of Mark Youth Theatre group as they hold final rehearsals for their performance of Alice in Wonderland in the town. Tessa Munt wished them well as they prepare for three days of shows in The Princess. More...

£5k boost from town carnival
A BIG windfall of almost £5,000 was handed out to nineteen local good causes in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday evening (March 9th) when Carnival President Malcolm Borland and Carnival Queen Anna Kevan presented the proceeds of last year's collections to the grateful recepients. More...

51 new homes get 'thumbs down'
Exclusive: CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build 51 new homes in Burnham-On-Sea were given a thumbs down by town councillors on Wednesday (March 9th). A total of 55 formal objections have been lodged by residents living near Lawrence Close, where Persimmon Homes wants to build a new development. More...

New rail monument unveiled
A set of train wheels and a short run of railway track has this week been installed next to a Highbridge roundabout to act as a lasting reminder of the town's long railway history. The new 'monument' was officially unveiled on Wednesday morning (March 9th) next to a roundabout in Isleport, Highbridge. More...

Vandals target Burnham cafe
Exclusive: Vandals caused hundreds of pounds of damage to a town centre cafe in Burnham-On-Sea early today (Wednesday, March 9th). Mr Beans on The High Street is temporarily closed after a large shopfront window was smashed, as pictured here, sending shards of glass across the premises. More...

Fire crews tackle heath blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea firefighters joined crews from across Somerset in battling a heathland blaze covering four acres on Tuesday evening (March 8th). Fire beaters and water jets were used to bring the fire under control at Hurley Beacon near Crowcombe on the Quantock Hills. More...

Wind farm plans scaled back
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build nine wind turbines on farmland near Burnham-On-Sea have been scaled back following protests from residents nearby. EDF Energy has this week submitted revised plans to have just five turbines at Withy End Farm in the outskirts of East Huntspill. More...

Princess ownership is secured
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council is to take over full ownership of the Princess Theatre from April, it has been announced this week. Sedgemoor District Council has agreed to sell it for a nominal fee of £1, as opposed to the original offer of a lease of 125 years. More...

Call for Civic Award nominees
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council is inviting nominations for the towns' annual Civic Awards. The awards are given to local people who are deemed to have given outstanding service to the community. They will be presented at the Civic Service later this year. More...

Arts festival: complete results
HIGHBRIDGE'S 64th annual Festival Of The Arts in Burnham-On-Sea is proving to be another success as hundreds of youngsters compete in a range of classes. Burnham-On-Sea.com has all the results from the popular festival, which is being held at The Princess Theatre. More...

Pancakes raise a tasty amount
MORE than £170 was raised for a local charity when fundraisers in Highbridge held a Pancake Party on Tuesday (March 8th). Dozens of freshly made pancakes were munched during the popular event held at the home of Val Breach in Church Street in aid of St Margaret's Hospice. More...

Three arrests over swan deaths
THREE men have been arrested today (Tuesday, March 8th) in connection with the spate of swan shootings in the Burnham-On-Sea area. Police announced that three men aged 45, 37 and 34 had been held following the shooting of at least 40 swans over the past few weeks. More...

Council lodges arcade objection
Exclusive: TOWN councillors are to make an official objection over the controversial decision to allow a former tattoo shop in Highbridge to be turned into a gambling arcade. Plans to convert Highbridge Ink in Market Street into a fruit machine and gaming arcade were approved by Sedgemoor District Council. More...

20 volunteers to help library
A total of 20 volunteers have now expressed an interest in helping to run Highbridge Library from this September when Somerset County Council closes it. An appeal for volunteers by Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has yielded plenty of support to keep the building in Market Street open. More...

Esther up for top award today
POLICE officers in Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow will find out later today (Tuesday, March 8th) whether they have won awards in the annual competition to find the best bobbies on the beat. Constable Esther Robinson, pictured, from Burnham Police has been nominated as top Beat Manager. More...

Regeneration to be downsized?
Exclusive: Town councillors have this week pledged their continuing financial support to plans to regenerate Burnham-On-Sea's High Street even though the project is now likely to be downsized amid new delays. At a meeting on Monday evening (March 7th), councillors voted in favour of earmarking £45,000 of funding to the project. More...

Aerobathon well supported
MORE than 30 people took in a fundraising aerobathon in Highbridge on Monday evening (March 7th). King Alfred Sports Centre was one of a dozen gyms and health centres across the south west taking part in the event to help nationwide children's charity NSPCC. More...

Historical photos go on show
ALMOST 200 historical photos showing life in Burnham-On-Sea during the 1900s will be shown during an illustrated talk in the town this week. North Sedgemoor Local History Group is holding the event at King Alfred School this Wednesday evening (March 9th). More...

Calls for kerb safety repairs
Exclusive: A town councillor in Highbridge has this week backed residents calls for several cracked pavements to be urgently repaired after an accident on Saturday (March 5th). Cllr Joe Leach has called on Somerset County Council to fix broken kerb stones in Church Street. More...

Show will be Princess' first
BURNHAM-On-Sea DanceFit club and The Bay Club Dancers are set to join forces to perform a show at The Princess Theatre on Saturday 2nd April. The performance will be the first at the building under the new ownership of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council. More...

Injured swan rescued on lake
A RESCUE boat crew from Burnham-On-Sea was called out on Sunday (March 6th) to help animal carers reach this swan that had become tangled up in fishing line. Secret World Wildlife Rescue contacted BARB (Burnham Area Rescue Boat) at 3.30pm to assist them. More...

New leads in shootings probe
Exclusive: SEVERAL new leads are being examined by the police and RSPCA in the investigation into the shooting of 41 swans near Burnham-On-Sea. As previously reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com, dozens of swans have been found dead after being shot by an airgun user in recent weeks. More...

Dozens complete aquathlon
Photo Special: MORE than 50 athletes took part in Burnham-On-Sea's seafront aquathlon on Sunday morning (March 6th). The popular event, which was organised by Burnham Swim and Sports Academy, comprised of a 250 metre swim at Burnham Pool followed by a 2.5km run along the beach and seafront. More...

Theatre boss praises festival
Exclusive: A TOP theatrical director has praised the high standard of entries at this year's Highbridge Festival Of The Arts. Chris Harris was in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (March 5th) to judge the dance categories, which are taking place at Burnham's Princess Theatre this week. More...

Gymnasts compete in Portugal
A GROUP of young gymnasts from Highbridge is in Portugal this weekend competing against countries from around Europe. Fourteen of the gymnasts from Monarchs, which is based at King Alfred School in Highbridge, are in Portugal for the MAIA International Acro Cup. More...

Video: New village hall opens
Special Coverage: BERROW'S new village hall was officially re-opened today (Saturday, March 5th) following a major £340,000 refurbishment project. Over 50 people attended a ceremony to watch the new hall opened by Berrow Parish Council Chairman Jenny Bentley. More...

Police seize weapons and drugs
Exclusive: SWORDS, knives, imitation guns and over £5,000 of drugs were seized by police in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge during a series of drugs raids on Friday (March 4th). Following intelligence from the local community, officers in Highbridge carried out search warrants made several arrests. More...

Gas fire started house blaze
Exclusive: INVESTIGATORS have concluded that a Highbridge house blaze earlier this week was accidentally caused by a gas fire. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported on Tuesday how two people had managed to escape unhurt from the three-storey property at Lakeside as five fire crews tackled the blaze. More...

Tessa scores win over Clegg!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP Tessa Munt enjoyed this light-hearted moment with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg when he made a visit to Somerset on Friday (March 4th). The Lib Dems were nursing their wounds after finishing in sixth place during the Barnsley by-election - not that it showed. More...

Sweet pea festival underway
A WEEK-long festival dedicated to growing sweet peas is underway at at a garden centre near Burnham-On-Sea. Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll is hosting its annual Sweet Pea Festival between Saturday March 5th and Sunday March 13th which is open to the public. More...

New gritter arrives in town
BURNHAM and Highbridge Town Council has this week taken delivery of a new road gritting machine for use in wintry weather. The new yellow grit spreading equipment sits on the back of an existing council truck to convert it into a gritting lorry and will be stationed in Burnham. More...

New Animal Farm plans unveiled
Exclusive: THE owners of a popular tourism attraction in Berrow have submitted new plans to extend their facilities. Animal Farm wants to expans its park with a number of new attractions at its site in Red Road, including an animal-themed carousel, animal adventure boats and a water-based playground. More...

Don't lose your right to vote
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents have been warned that time is running out to get themselves registered to vote in May's elections. To vote, residents must appear on the Register of Electors and the last date for applications to get listed is Tuesday, April 14th. More...

Shocked driver in seafront crash
Exclusive: THE elderly driver of this car was treated for shock on Thursday (March 3rd) after losing control of her vehicle on Burnham-On-Sea seafront. Paramedics rushed to help the lady - aged in her 70s - after her Fiat careered off The Esplanade and slammed through two metal bollards outside Burnham's Tourist Information Centre. More...

Take-away plans rejected
CONCERNED residents who are fighting plans for a new Burnham-On-Sea takeaway near their homes have won their battle. A full planning application was submitted for the Indian eatery at the former Castle Antiques shop in Victoria Street, as first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com. More...

Police search for missing man
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have today (Thursday) issued an appeal for help in tracing this wanted man. Shane Ponting, 32, is wanted on two separate court warrants for failing to appear at Sedgemoor Magistrates Court on 15th February. Numerous enquiries made in Burnham and Highbridge have failed to locate him. More...

Cost cuts hit town kids centres
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Octopus Children's Centre is to be merged with Highbridge and Cheddar under cost-cutting proposals that will see a cluster of centres being formed, Somerset County Council announced this week. None of the centres will close, but jobs will be lost. More...

High Street plans are delayed
PLANS to pedestrianise part of Burnham-On-Sea High Street have been put on hold until the autumn. At a meeting of Burnham's Chamber of Trade this week, traders were informed that the Civic Pride group had decided the scheme would not go ahead before September. More...

Festival Day 1: photos & results
HIGHBRIDGE'S 64th annual Festival Of The Arts got underway in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (March 2nd) with a day of dance competition. Dozens of talented youngsters from the ages of three upwards took part in the first day of competition at Burnham's Princess Theatre. More...

New town choir hits right note
BURNHAM-On-Sea's newly formed community choir is striking a chord with musical residents. The choir - which was formed last December - has already attracted more than 20 singers to take part in its regular, informal singing sessions. Burnham-On-Sea.com visited the lively group this week. More...

Swan killer reward rises to £26k
AUTHOR Sir Terry Pratchett has increased the reward to catch the killer of 31 swans near Burnham-On-Sea to £26,080. Three supporters of Secret World Wildlife Rescue originally provided £16,080 as a reward to find the culprit. On Wednesday, the reward was further increased by £10,000 by Sir Terry. More...

CCTV captures town 'shoplifter'
Exclusive: POLICE swooped on a suspected shoplifter in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (March 2nd) after tracking him through the town using CCTV cameras and a shop-to-shop radio security system. The man was arrested in Victoria Street, as pictured by a Burnham-On-Sea.com reader. More...

Group prepares for comedy
FINAL rehearsals are underway at a Berrow drama group as it prepares for the curtain to rise on its production of 'Fringe Benefits', a comedy and farce by Peter Yeldham and Donald Churchill. Members of Stage 2 have spent a year without a production due to the village hall refurbishment. More...

Sarah coaches ITV ice stars
BURNHAM-On-Sea rhythmic gymnastics coach Sarah Binding has been helping out some of the stars from ITV’s hit show Dancing on Ice as they headed when they headed west to take part in a session in Bath. Sam Attwater and Brianne Delcourt held a training session with Sarah. More...

£1.5m pool to open in April
Exclusive: A new £1.5m swimming complex in Brean is on track to open its doors for the first time next month and create 10 new jobs. Burnham-On-Sea.com took a first look inside the new Brean Splash waterpark at Brean Leisure Park this week to see the new facilities which include a 25 metre indoor pool. More...

Good wishes flood in for Eileen
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has passed on his best wishes to Town Clerk Eileen Shaw after she suffered an accident on the eve of her 60th birthday this week. Eileen, pictured, broke a thigh bone when she tripped up on Monday. She was due to celebrate her 60th birthday on Tuesday. More...

Couple escape house blaze
TWO people managed to escape unhurt from this Highbridge home in the early hours of today (Tuesday) after a huge fire. Firefighters from Burnham-On-Sea were called to Lakeside in Highbridge at 1.43am after receiving a call that the three-storey property was alight. More...

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