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

May 2008 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

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Police called to pier incident
POLICE were called to Burnham-On-Sea pier on Saturday afternoon (May 31st) after a customer allegedly became abusive after being asked to stop taking photos in the building. Burnham Pavilion has a strict rule that photographs of children cannot be taken inside its gaming area and amusements. More...

Model rail show held in town
MODEL railway enthusiasts flocked to Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (May 31st) for a special exhibition of train sets. Eight miniature layouts created by members of Burnham and District Model Railway Club were displayed at the group's annual open day in the town. More...

New pool manager is named
FORMER Burnham-On-Sea swimming pool manager Martin Rogers has been recruited by the pool's new leaseholders to run their sports academy. Sara-Jane Cox and Mark Conklin told Burnham-On-Sea.com they are delighted to have recruited Martin, who has lived in Burnham all his life. More...

Town artist's exhibition opens
AN exhibition of paintings by popular Burnham-On-Sea artist Judith Champion has opened in the town this week. The colourful display, called 'Bodies', is open until June 14th at Sea Breeze Gallery in Victoria Street. Bunham-On-Sea.com spoke to Judith about the show and has a preview of the exhibition. More...

Huge bomb crater on island
Photo Special: THE huge crater left in the mud on Stert Island after a World War II bomb was exploded last month is shown for the first time in this exclusive photo. The power of the controlled explosion which detonated the German bomb on April 12th is clearly illustrated by the size of the crater. More...

Young artists receive prizes
THE young winners of a seaside-themed painting competition have been handed their prizes in Burnham-On-Sea this week. Sea Breeze Art Gallery in Victoria Street invited youngsters from local schools to take part and paint their local scenery. The excited young winners have just collected their prizes. More...

Police search for missing man
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE police issued an appeal to Burnham-On-Sea residents to help them t] a missing man on Friday (May 30th). Adrian Colin Johnson, who is 45 years old, went missing from his home in Cropwell Bishop, Nottinghamshire, at the beginning of April 2008. More...

Burnham MP's blog updated
BURNHAM-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory's official blog on Burnham-On-Sea.com has been updated. In his latest entry, he gives us his thoughts on his recent official trip to Japan and Korea. As a member of the all party Foreign Affairs Committee he travels a lot, and this latest post explains what happens. More...

Coastguards rescue teenagers
TWO teenagers who got swept out into the Bristol Channel sea in a pair of dinghies bought for £4.99 were rescued by Coastguards on Thursday evening (May 29th) after being swept ashore on Brean Down. Coastguards from Burnham-On-Sea and Weston were called out to search for the pair, pictured here. More...

M5 crash causes long queues
THIS was the scene on the M5 motorway between Burnham-On-Sea and Weston on Thursday evening (May 29th) after a two vehicle collision caused long tailbacks of up to six miles. Emergency services from Burnham rushed to the northbound carriageway at 5.30pm. More...

BBC man opens new charity shop
BBC Points West presenter Chris Vacher was in Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday (May 29th) to open a new charity shop for Weston Hospicecare. Chris, who is a patron of Weston Hospicecare, cut a ribbon to officially open the new shop in College Street shop at lunchtime. More...

Taxi firms hit by fuel rises
TAXI firms in Burnham-On-Sea are bearing the brunt of soaring fuel costs and are angry that the district council - which sets passenger fares - is not helping them more. Petrol costs have soared in Burnham by 8% for unleaded and 14% for diesel since the start of the year - and local taxi firms are feeling the pinch. More...

Asda says sorry after slug find
Exclusive: Supermarket giant Asda has apologised to a Highbridge family after they found a large slug in a bag of salad purchased at its Highbridge store. Kath Pepperall, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com how she has not been able to eat anything except soup for five days after making the unpleasant discovery last Friday. More...

Motorist injured in Rooksbridge
POLICE, ambulance and fire crews were sent to an accident at Rooksbridge, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Wednesday afternoon (May 28th) after a car left the road and careered into a ditch. Five people were freed from a Ford Fiesta close to the business park in Mendip Road at 3pm. More...

Fireworks show this Saturday
THE skies above Brean will be lit up with fireworks on Saturday night (May 31st) when the resort's leisure park holds the second of this year's displays. While there will be no admittance charge, there will be collections on the night for the two main charities in addition to local good causes. More...

Man arrested after road crash
A 44 year-old motorist has been arrested following this dramatic accident in Watchfield, near Highbridge, at the weekend. As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com, a vehicle was left upturned on its roof at the busy junction of the B3139 and the B3141 following the single-vehicle crash at 6.50am on Saturday (May 24th). More...

Pool could be sold at cut-price
BURNHAM-On-Sea swimming pool could be sold off at a cut price within the next five years, it has emerged this week. An option in the lease states that the site in Berrow Road has been valued at around £600,000, although it could be bought by the leaseholders for just £155,000. More...

World record bid at town pub
STAFF and regulars at a Burnham-On-Sea pub had an extra special reason to lift their glasses this week when they attempted to break the world record for the largest-ever simultaneous wine tasting. More than 30 wine lovers took part at The Reeds Arms pub on Burnham's seafront. More...

Couple make birthday donation
A COUPLE from Mark who both celebrated their 90th birthdays last month have handed over a cheque to BARB after deciding to receive charity donations instead of presents. Arthur Hill turned the grand age on April 4th, and his wife of 64 years, Win, also celebrated her 90th birthday on April 29th. More...

Firms urged to back cycle race
BUSINESSES in Burnham and Highbridge are being targeted by Somerset County Council's Tour of Britain team during June. The team want to enable local businesses to cash in on as many opportunities as possible when the UK's biggest cycling race comes to the area this September. More...

Fire crew helps child from car
A Burnham-On-Sea fire crew was called to Brean on Monday afternoon (May 26th) after a young child became trapped in a car. The youngster had accidentally been locked inside a family vehicle at a caravan park. One fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to the scene at 2pm. More...

It's a Bank Holiday washout!
BURNHAM'S beach and seafront were uncharacteristically quiet on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon (May 26th) after heavy rain and wind sent tourists diving for shelter. Many shops and tourist accommodation providers reported a poor weekend because of the weather. More...

'Give war hero a knighthood'
THE Mayor and Mayoress of Highbridge have this week backed a group of MPs who are calling for war hero Frank Foley to be awarded a posthumous knighthood. A group of 30 MPs is pushing the Government to change the rules governing the honours system so Highbridge-born Major Foley can be recognised for his humanitarian work in saving the lives of thousands of Jews from Nazi Germany, 50 years after his death. More...

Rain fails to hit beach walkers
WET weather failed to dampen the spirits of almost 100 walkers who took part in the annual fundraising beach walk between Burnham-On-Sea and Brean Down on Sunday (May 25th). The 15-mile beach walk started and finished at Burnham Pier, taking in Berrow and Brean. More...

Walrow bridge set to re-open
HIGHBRIDGE'S Walrow railway bridge is set to fully re-open for the first time in 18 months over the next three weeks as work to strengthen the bridge is completed. It follows a long-running saga that saw the bridge completely closed in March 2007, then partially re-open. More...

Man injured in road accident
THESE were the scenes in Watchfield, near Highbridge, early on Saturday morning (May 24th) after an accident left a vehicle upturned on its roof. One man was taken by ambulance to Weston General Hospital following the single-vehicle crash at 6.50am. Police and paramedics were sent to the busy junction where the B3139 joins the B3141. More...

Chalets damaged in Brean fire
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews rushed to the Pontins holiday camp at Brean just after midnight on Saturday morning (May 24th) after a fire broke out in four chalets at the site. Two fire engines from Burnham-On-Sea and a water carrier from Bridgwater were initially sent to the scene. More...

Town drugs raids lead to arrest
ONE man has been arrested in Burnham-On-Sea after police carried out two drugs raids in the area within 24 hours. Police with sniffer dogs swooped on a property in Church Street, Highbridge at 7.40am on Friday, having also raided a home in Ham Lane, Burnham on Thursday. More...

'Basic pass' for local beaches
BATHING water quality in Burnham-On-Sea, Berrow and Brean has been highlighted in a nationwide survey published on Friday (May 23rd). The findings of the annual study were released on Friday morning by the Marine Conservation Society and are being published in the 2008 Good Beach Guide. More...

20 more new homes for town?
Exclusive: PLANS to build almost 20 new homes in Burnham-On-Sea have been unveiled by property developers this week. Redcliffe Homes wants to construct a development of thirteen dwellings with garages, parking and associated works on land at 181 Berrow Road. More...

Appeal for triathlon volunteers
FINAL preparations for this year's Burnham-On-Sea Triathlon on Sunday June 1st are underway. Hundreds of competitors have signed up to take part in the event, which consists of a 500m swim followed by a 20km cycle and a 5km beach run. Organisers have appealed for marshalls. More...

Highbridge hosts mini Olympics
KING Alfred Sports Centre in Highbridge played host to 150 youngsters from Mark School this week when it held its second annual 'Mini Olympics' tournament. The event was part of Mark School's Health Awareness week and included a wide range of activities. More...

Man arrested over fake DVDs
A 50-year-old Burnham-On-Sea man has been arrested and a large quantity of suspected counterfeit DVDs was seized by police in the town on Wednesday (May 21st). In a joint operation with Somerset Trading Standards officers, police swooped on an address in the town on Wednesday morning. More...

Young artists work on display
SEASIDE-themed paintings created by more than 50 children from across the Burnham-On-Sea area have gone on display at a special exhibition in the town this week. Sea Breeze Art Gallery in Victoria Street invited young artists from eight local schools to take part. More...

Bank Street car park is saved
COUNCILLORS in Highbridge were celebrating on Wednesday (May 21st) after the Bank Street Car Park was saved from potential development by Sedgemoor District Council. The council's executive committee accepted that the car park should not be sold at its latest meeting. More...

Cold caller arrested in Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week arrested a 22-year-old man from Coventry on suspicion of offences related to cold calling in the town. The man was arrested when Burnham PCSO Andy Dancy, pictured, noticed him acting suspiciously and investigated the incident further. More...

Tesco seeks to evict travellers
A GROUP of travellers who have illegally set up camp on land near to a Burnham-On-Sea supermarket are set to be faced with an evication order during the next few days. Tesco is seeking to get the convoy of caravans and trucks moved from the land near Love Lane, which is pictured here. More...

Stranded lamb freed from mud
A STRANDED lamb trapped in mud on a riverbank near Burnham-On-Sea has been helped to safety by kind-hearted Coastguards. The Burnham Coastguard team had been called to West Huntspill on Monday to deal with a seperate incident and later helped free the stricken animal. More...

Parents call for play area clean up
Exclusive: CONCERNED parents in Burnham-On-Sea have this week called for better enforcement of dog fouling laws in the town due to the "disgusting" state of play areas. Nikki Triggol and her 11 month old daughter Jasmine Rose, pictured, are among the parents who frequently use the Winchester Road play area. More...

Burnham police set priority list
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week set out their latest 'hit-list' of priorities for tackling crime in the town. A PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting was held in the town when residents and Neighbourhood Watch leaders were given a chance to influence the police's priorities. More...

Blue Tongue zone extended
THE Burnham-On-Sea area is now included within the UK's Blue Tongue protection zone after the restrictions on livestock movement were extended on Monday (May 19th) to cover the whole of Somerset. The Burnham area has been added to the zone as a precuation. More...

Park and ride plan for Burnham
A FREE 'park and ride' scheme and extra parking spaces will be introduced in Burnham-On-Sea when large crowds of spectators are expected to line the town's streets to see the end of the South West Stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race this autumn. Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report that our town had been picked as the final destination for the September 9th race. More...

Status Quo drummer in town
THE drummer from legendary rock group Status Quo will be performing in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (May 23rd). John Coghlan, pictured, was the bedrock of the group during the 1960s and 1970s until 1981. Playing on drums, he toured all over the world with the group. More...

Search for swimmer called off
BURNHAM-On-Sea's D-Class lifeboat was called out on Monday afternoon (May 19th) to help Coastguards and police conduct a search for a swimmer. A school teacher on a walk with his pupils raised the alarm after spotting a man entering the River Parret, near the sluice gates at East Huntspill, at around 3pm. More...

Photo club winners announced
THIS stunning close-up image of a dandelion won the latest monthly photography competition organised by Burnham-On-Sea Camera Club. The image and runners-up can be seen on the club's recently-launched website, which is hosted here on Burnham-On-Sea.com. More...

Street party to be held in town
BURNHAM-On-Sea High Street will be closed to traffic on Sunday evening (May 24th) when a pub holds a fundraising street party. A huge lorry will stretch across the street to become a stage for live musicians outside the Somerset and Dorset pub in the town centre. More...

Cycle race marshals needed
ORGANISERS from Somerset County Council's Tour of Britain team are encouraging residents from Burnham-On-Sea to be part of the biggest cycling race in the UK and help make sure the South West stage, which will end in the town's Marine Drive on September 9th, is a success. More...

Animal lovers flock to church!
A TORTOISE and a dozen dogs were among the congregation at a special church service held in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday afternoon (May 18th). Over 30 animal lovers flocked to St Andrew's Church on Burnham's Esplanade where Rev Graham Witts led the annual pet service. More...

Sea search finds missing man
A SPEED boat owner who went missing for more than 12 hours in the Bristol Channel near Burnham-On-Sea was found safe and well on Sunday evening (May 18th) after a huge sea search involving Coastguards, lifeboats and an RAF helicopter. Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards were among the four teams tasked with searching for the missing man. More...

Police probe 'deliberate' blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea police are investigating a "deliberate" blaze in Berrow which destroyed this car during the early hours of Sunday morning (May 18th). One fire engine from Burnham was sent to Red Road, near Rose Farm Touring Park, at 1:39am after local residents reported seeing flames. More...

Music promoters save concert
A GROUP of Burnham-On-Sea music promoters has saved the future of the town's annual 'Under A Summer Moon' concert. The popular outdoor concert was left in apparent jeopardy after last year's event was judged a wash-out after bad weather. But Jamie Roberts of the Old Pier Tavern, Gordon Clayton and Jeff Ham of Burnham Rock, and Malcolm’s PAs, have stepped in to save the event. More...

Stert swim entry period starts
BRAVE swimmers wanting to take part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual Stert Island Swim can now sign up to take part in this year's event. The entry period for the popular summer event has started this week - and entry forms are available to download here on Burnham-On-Sea's website. More...

Motorist 'shaken' after accident
AN elderly motorist was left "shaken", but unhurt, after a two-car accident in a Burnham-On-Sea car park on Saturday morning (May 17th). The Chevrolet Matiz was left with front-end damage after colliding with a Land Rover at the main entrance to Somerfield supermarket on The Esplanade. More...

BBC man to open charity shop
BBC Points West presenter Chris Vacher will be opening Weston Hospicecare’s shop in Burnham-On-Sea later this month. Chris, who is a patron of Weston Hospicecare, will officially open the doors to the new College Street shop on Thursday May 29th at 1pm to help raise funds and publicity. More...

Police offer bogus calling advice
POLICE are to hold a special public meeting in Highbridge next Wednesday (May 21st) where residents can learn about protecting themselves from bogus callers. Burnham police will be holding the presentation at 10am in Highbridge's Morland Hall to warn residents about bogus callers. More...

Public toilets sale edges closer
THE controversial sale of a block of public toilets in Burnham-On-Sea has edged a step closure this week after several bidders came forward to buy the building. Three bidders have come forward and the proposals to sell off the building are now set to be considered at the next meeting of the district council's Executive Committee. More...

Star in a celebrity-filled film!
VOLUNTEER film extras are required for a star-filled film being shot in Brean and the Bridgwater area during the next couple of weeks. The short film, called Seven and Six, will feature Peter McGowan (pictured), the star of Emmerdale, Heartbeat and the film Goal and popular actress Sharon Duce, who is a familiar face from Big Deal, Growing Pains and Holby Blue. More...

Agency warns Stert Island visitors
BOAT owners who land on Stert Island, opposite Burnham-On-Sea, have this week been warned they risk heavy fines by putting wildlife at risk. Natural England manages the wildlife haven and has issued the blunt warning after several groups of sunbathers were seen on the island in Bridgwater Bay during this week's hot weather. More...

Nine more homes approved
A housing development in Highbridge is set to grow further after proposals to build nine new homes were this week given the go-ahead by local planners. The District Council has given Raglan Housing Limited approval to construct nine dwellings near Worston Road. More...

Youth cafe - police invite ideas
BURNHAM-On-Sea police are inviting residents to come forward with ideas about setting up a new youth cafe in the town. Burnham police community support officer (PCSO) Eliot Green is exploring the possibility of launching the cafe to give youngsters more to do in the town. More...

In photos: Charity golf event
GLORIOUS sunny weather greeted the 23 teams who took part in the Charity Pro Celebrity tournament at Brean Golf Club on Tuesday (May 13th). After having to postpone the popular event in 2007 due to problems with the greens, this year the course was in top condition. More...

Protest over beachfront flats
ANGRY residents in Burnham-On-Sea have this week stepped up their campaign to stop a seafront property being turned into a multi-million pound block of apartments. Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report in March how residents of Allandale Road are up in arms over plans to build a three-storey block of 14 apartments on the beachfront. More...

Dog found in 'appalling state'
SEDGEMOOR District Council's dog warden is trying to trace the owners of this Staffordshire Bull Terrier which has been found in an "appalling condition" near Burnham-On-Sea. A farmer spotted the bitch in a water trough on the moors near the village of Mark and contacted the dog warden. More...

Council approves Pride cash
TOWN councillors in Burnham-On-Sea have this week given luke warm backing to regeneration plans for the town. The council was asked to give £35,000 of funding towards the 'Civic Pride' scheme, which will see large parts of Burnham-On-Sea town centre redesigned, as pictured here. More...

Male voice choir to perform
GLASTONBURY Male Voice Choir will be performing in Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Hall this weekend. The highly acclaimed choir will be holding a concert on Saturday evening (May 17th) from 7.30pm in aid of St Margaret's Hospice. The concert will include a varied programme. More...

Group to hold town beach clean
A GROUP of youth volunteers has come forward to say it will clean up Burnham-On-Sea's beach following criticism earlier this week about the state of the sands. Somerset Youth Volunteering Network is organising a special beach clean on Thursday June 5th when youngsters from across the county aged between 16 and 25 will be able to help in the beach clean-up. More...

Trio spark mudflats alert
COASTGUARDS and a rescue hovercraft from Burnham-On-Sea were sent to Brean on Tuesday evening (May 13th) after a walker reported three youngsters in difficulty on the mudflats. The teams were called to the beach opposite Pontins holiday camp at 8.10pm after a walker spotted three teenagers wading "knee-deep" in mud. More...

Burnham's new Mayor elected
TOWN and district councillor Peter Clayton was elected Burnham-On-Sea's new Mayor on Monday evening (May 12th). Peter, pictured, has been a district councillor for 16 years and represents Burnham North. He is is currently the Leader of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council and Chairman of the town council's planning committee. More...

'Clean up Burnham beach'
THE "disgraceful" state of Burnham-On-Sea's beach was highlighted by an angry town councillor this week as he called for action to clean it up. Cllr John Morgan wants more regular council cleaning sessions conducted along the sand between Maddock's Slade and the town's low lighthouse. More...

Car park sell-off put on hold
NO decision will be taken on the future of Highbridge's closure-threatened Bank Street Car Park until March 2009. Sedgemoor's Corporate Scrutiny Committee examined the council's capital expenditure plans on Monday (May 12th) and decided the controversial proposals to sell off part of Highbridge's town centre car park should be put on hold until next year. More...

Outgoing mayor misses event
BURNHAM-On-Sea's outgoing Mayor, Pauline Pollard, was unable to wish the town's new Mayor Peter Clayton well on Monday (May 12th) after injuring herself in a garden accident. Pauline, pictured, broke a bone in her shoulder during a garden accident and had to miss the meeting. More...

Noise fears for Walrow homes
RESIDENTS living near Highbridge's Walrow railway bridge want new weight restrictions introduced in order to prevent lorries and heavy goods vehicles thundering past their homes. Residents in Walrow Terrace are worried they will be faced with non-stop noise by huge lorries and heavy goods vehicles. More...

MP: "Protect seaside towns'
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week attacked the government for failing to protect the interests of seaside towns. Seaside arcades and amusement centres are in jeopardy due to newly-introduced gambling laws which restrict the type of machines they can install, claimed David Heathcoat-Amory in a Commons debate. More...

Mothers fitness scheme starts
PRAM-pushing mums are set to be a more regular sight at Highbridge's Apex Park from this week as a brand new fitness programme for new mothers launches. Burnham-based personal trainer Andrea Warren is starting the twice-weekly 'Buggyfit' classes at the wildlife park. More...

New owner for Hinkley Point?
EUROPE'S biggest power company has been buying up land around Hinkley Point power station, near Burnham-On-Sea, and could soon be the plant's new company if take-over talks are successful. EDF has been buying land close to two nuclear sites ahead of making a bid for British Energy. More...

Photos: Weather boosts trade
THESE were the busy scenes in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (May 11th) when the warmest day of the year so far saw temperatures in the town hit 75 degrees Farenheit. The hot weather brought crowds to the town's beach and seafront, with shops reporting busy trade. More...

Angry residents fight homes
DOZENS of angry residents in West Huntspill, near Burnham, have stepped up their campaign to fight plans for 14 new homes to be built on a field in the village. The residents, pictured above with the controversial field behind them, held a public meeting on Saturday (May 10th) to discuss the next stage of their campaign. More...

Oliver comes to Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea Lions Club is to hold a special presentation of the film Oliver on Sunday May 25th at the town's Ritz Cinema to raise funds for a worthy local cause. The fundraisers are aiming to latch on to the popularity of BBC One's talent show I'd Do Anything by screening the movie. More...

Toddler air-lifted to hospital
A THREE-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital from Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday afternoon (May 10th) after he suffered a serious foot injury. The toddler was stabilised at the scene by paramedics, but due to the nature of his injuries, paramedics decided the quickest way to get him to hospital was by using a helicopter. More...

More success for cadets
SEVERAL cadets from Highbridge and Burnham St John Ambulance are celebrating again this weekend after winning a regional first aid competition. Christopher Marsh, 9, Harry Pike, 9 and Jaymie Whitehouse, 6, competed against teams from across the region. More...

Walker suffers broken ankle
BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards were called to Brean Down on Saturday (May 10th) to help a walker who had suffered a suspected broken ankle in a fall. The team rushed to Brean Down Fort at 1.30pm after the lady, aged in her 60s, was reported to be in a lot of pain. More...

In photos: Bluebells at Brean
A WEEK of warm sunshine has created these wonderfully colourful scenes on Brean Down, near Burnham-On-Sea. Thousands of bluebells were in full bloom on the northern slopes of the rocky outcrop on Saturday afternoon (May 10th), as pictured here by Burnham-On-Sea.com. More...

Jetty safety warning issued
COASTGUARDS in Burnham-On-Sea have issued a safety warning after the town's jetty was partially blocked by parked vehicles on Saturday (May 10th). As these photos show, six vehicles were using the slipway, much to the concern of the town's marine emergency services. More...

Injured gannet is released
AN injured gannet which was found in Burnham-On-Sea earlier this year has been released back into the wild from a cliff-top in Devon. The bird had been blown inland during heavy storms back in March and needed care and attention, which it received at the RSPCA's Wildlife Centre near Taunton. More...

Delays on M5 after incidents
TWO separate incidents - a van fire and an accident - left traffic at a standstill on the M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea on Friday (May 9th). Long queues of vehicles developed after the incidents near to junction 22. Fire services were called to the northbound carriageway at 9.38am after plumes of smoke drifted across the motorway, prompting speed restrictions. More...

Famous names head to Brean
A WHOLE host of celebrities will be appearing at Brean Leisure Park's annual Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament on Tuesday (May 13th). Top sporting names including jockey Tony McCoy (pictured), Sam Thomas, Dominic Elsworth, Dave Crosse, Jimmy McCarthy, Will Kennedy and Carl Llewellyn are to take part. There are still places left for those wishing to take part. More...

Hinkley Point reactor 'tripped'
ONE of the nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point power station, near Burnham-On-Sea, has been shut down after unexpectedly "tripping" on Thursday morning (May 8th) following an "engineering issue." British Energy told Burnham-On-Sea.com that Hinkley Point's B8 reactor stopped unexpectedly and engineers at the plant are working on a restart plan. More...

Step forward for charity walk
WALKERS are being encouraged to step forward to take part in the annual fundraising walk between Burnham-On-Sea jetty and Brean Down and back to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. The 15-mile beach walk will start at 11.30am on Sunday May 25th. A shorter, eight-mile walk is also available to the entrance of Berrow Beach and return. More...

Council backs protestors
PARISH councillors in West Huntspill, near Burnham-On-Sea, have this week backed dozens of residents who are campaigning against plans to build 14 new homes in the village. Over 40 residents attended West Huntspill Parish Council's monthly meeting on Tuesday evening (May 6th) to air their views about the controversial and unpopular scheme. More...

Second Lib Dem stands down
LIBERAL Democrats in Burnham-On-Sea have been rocked by a second resignation in a month, Burnham-On-Sea.com can reveal. Highbridge town councillor Chris Williams told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Wednesday (May 7th) he is quitting the Liberal Democrats to become an independent councillor. The surprise announcement comes just a fortnight after fellow Lib Dem Danny Titcombe stood down. More...

Pottery shop opens in town
A NEW shop that invites artistic children and adults to paint their own pottery has opened on Burnham's seafront this week. Purrr-fect Pottery, which is sited next to Sunspot Amusements, is the idea of Highbridge crafts enthusiast Anya Burridge. She had the idea of letting people choose a piece of pottery, paint it and then allow it to be sent away for glazing and firing in an industrial kiln before collecting it. More...

Body on beach is named
A NAKED body washed up on Burnham-On-Sea beach earlier this week has been formally identified as a man from Weston-super-Mare. West Somerset coroner Michael Rose told Burnham-On-Sea.com the man has been named as 43 year-old Gary Lane, who was living in sheltered accommodation in the resort. His body was washed up on Burnham beach on Bank Holiday Monday. More...

£5,800 donation for lifeboats
FIDDINGTON resident Belinda Llewelyn-Jones has just handed over a total of £5,800 to Burnham-On-Sea RNLI Lifeboat station after completing the London Marathon in five hours and three minutes.
Belinda, who served in the merchant Navy for four years as a catering officer, raised approximately half the money online and the rest from direct sponsorship donations. More...

Top award for cider maker
A CIDER which is produced in Brent Knoll, near Burnham-On-Sea, has this week won a top award in a national competition. West Croft Cider's Janet's Jungle Juice was named the silver winner at the National Cider and Perry Championships, at the Reading Beer and Cider Festival. The best ciders and perrys in Britain were sampled over two days by judges from The Campaign for Real Ale. More...

Brean barrage gets boost
PLANS for a ten-mile barrage across the River Severn, from Brean Down near Burnham-On-Sea to Wales, moved closer this week with the appointment of an American engineering company to study the proposals. Parsons Brinckerhoff will head a two-year assessment of the project. More...

Crime in Burnham falls
CRIME in Burnham-On-Sea has decreased year-on-year for a ninth consecutive month, according to the latest official figures. Levels of monthly crime fell in Burnham between June 2007 and the end of February 2008, when compared to the same months last year. Criminal damage, assaults, harassment and thefts of vehicles have fallen the most during the last year. More...

£6,000 donated by lodge
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Moose International Lodge has handed out over £6,000 of donations to worthy local groups at its annual charity payout. The group presented a grand total of £6,306.86 to a long list of local groups and worthy causes during a ceremony at Berrow Village Hall. More...

'Famous' village mascot dies
A GOOSE which became such a familiar sight in the village of Mark, near Burnham-On-Sea, that it was named the village's mascot has died. The seven-year-old bird, called Errol, was often seen in the centre of the village and its 'fame' rose recently when it was featured on ITV. More...

New Mayor to be chosen
TOWN councillors will choose Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's new Mayor next week. The council's annual meeting on Monday evening (May 12th) will include the election of the Chairman of Council and Town Mayor for the coming year. Councillor Pauline Pollard is the current mayor. More...

Driver rescued from car in ditch
A WOMAN was rescued from her car after it careered into a ditch at an accident blackspot in Burnham-On-Sea early on Tuesday morning (May 6th). Ambulance, police and fire crews were called to Stoddens Lane at 4.45am after the Ford Puma left the road. Fortunately, the occupant was not injured. More...

Six tickets for car owner!
THE owner of this illegally parked vehicle in Burnham-On-Sea will get a nasty surprise when they return to drive it away. For the Peugeot has been given no fewer than FOUR parking tickets and TWO road tax expiry warning notices by traffic wardens over the last few days - much to the interest of local residents. More...

Body of man found on beach
THE body of a naked man was found washed up on Burnham-On-Sea beach on Monday morning (May 5th). Emergency services were called to the scene, next to Burnham jetty, shortly after 7am after a seafront walker made the unpleasant find. Police have not yet formally identified the man. More...

'Poor weekend' for traders
TRADERS in Burnham-On-Sea were disappointed by a poor Bank Holiday weekend of business. While the town's High Street and Esplanade were busy with crowds of visitors, many shops and tourism businesses in Burnham reported a quiet period of trade, according to the Burnham Chamber of Trade. More...

Boxer Frank Bruno visits town
BOXING legend Frank Bruno dropped into Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (May 4th) to cheer on his son at a rugby tournament in the town. The former World Heavyweight Champion mingled with the large crowds at the BASC Ground during the second day of Burnham Rugby Club's junior rugby festival. More...

Club's £1,400 BARB boost
A BUMPER cheque for £1,400 was handed over to BARB, the Burnham-On-Sea charity that runs the town's two rescue hovercrafts, by fundraisers from the Somerset branch of The Caravan Club on Monday afternoon (May 5th). The club has chosen BARB as its charity of the year and will be raising money in coming months. More...

Horse rider treated after fall
AN ambulance crew gave emergency treatment to a horse rider in Brean on Sunday afternoon (May 4th) after she fell from her horse when it bolted. Paramedics were called to Weston Road at 3pm when the lady's horse was startled by a vehicle passing by, sending her onto the road. More...

Fresh warning on sea levels
LARGE areas of the West Country's coastline - including Stert Island and low-lying land around Burnham - could disappear into the sea within 50 years, a leading scientist has warned this week. Land could be lost as sea levels rise by 60cm says Chris Turney, a geologist. More...

O2 wants to keep town mast
Exclusive: MOBILE phone giant O2 has applied for planning permission to keep a 'temporary' phone mast in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea for another year. The company wants full planning permission to retain the 15-metre mast south of Pier Street for an extra 12 months. More...

Alcohol seized by police
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have stepped up their campaign against underage drinking this weekend with alcohol being seized from youngsters on the town's seafront. The Esplanade has been a no-alcohol zone since 2006 and police can seize bottles and cans from under-age drinkers. More...

Flower show boosts organ fund
A COLOURFUL three-day flower festival opened in East Huntspill, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Saturday (May 3rd). The show is being held in All Saint's Church throughout the Bank Holiday to raise funds towards the £5,000 cost of refurbishing the church's organ. More...

Youth Club re-opens after revamp
HIGHBRIDGE Community Youth Club officially re-opened its doors on Friday evening (May 2nd) following a £14,000 revamp. These were the celebratory scenes when the club in Morland Road marked the completion of several weeks of renovation work with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. More...

Birthday donation for RNLI
A GENEROUS RNLI enthusiast has marked his 65th birthday by handing over hundreds of pounds to Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station. John Swayne is a paid-up governor of the charity and decided that to present donations to the RNLI in lieu of presents. More...

Fire crews rush to town firm
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews were sent to a Highbridge furniture company on Friday morning (May 2nd) after reports of smoke being spotted at the property. Two fire engines from Burnham-On-Sea rushed to Caxton Furniture in Commerce Way at 11.15am. More...

Call for better street cleaning
Exclusive: BUSINESSES in Burnham-On-Sea are calling for more frequent rubbish collections over the summer months. Traders at the latest Chamber Of Trade meeting called on Sedgemoor District Council to increase street cleaning along the High Street and Esplanade. More...

Hotel boss attends public meeting
OVER 60 Highbridge residents flocked to the town's community hall on Thursday evening (May 1st) to hear Derek Mead, owner of the fire-ravaged Highbridge Hotel, speak about his future plans for the property. The meeting came just hours after two teenagers were arrested in connection with last Tuesday's blaze. More...

Seafront cafe earns five stars
STAFF at a Burnham-On-Sea cafe are celebrating this week after officially being told they offer a 'five star' service. The Bay View Cafe on Burnham's Esplanade is one of only a handful of cafes and restaurants in the town to earn 5-star ratings in Somerset's Food Scores scheme. More...

Two arrested after hotel blaze
TWO teenagers have been arrested by police in connection with last week's fire at the former Highbridge Hotel. Burnham police confirmed on Thursday (May 1st) that a 16 and 17 year old had been arrested. Police spokesman Dan Mountain told Burnham-On-Sea.com about the arrests. More...

Council tackles grave problem
PRESSURE on space at Highbridge cemetery will result in the last few remaining graves being used within the next year. The Chairman of Bunham Joint Burial Committee, Arthur Thorogood, said on Wednesday (April 30th) that Brent Road cemetery will be used. More...

Call for better CCTV monitoring
A HIGHBRIDGE County Councillor has called for better monitoring of CCTV cameras following a night of vandalism at a town car park. Cllr Rosemarie Parsons told Wednesday's town council meeting that said she had seen "a large group of youngsters" causing trouble. More...