May 2012 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

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Police target drink drivers
MOTORISTS in the Burnham-On-Sea area have been warned they face long jail terms if they are caught drink driving as police launch their annual summer drink drive campaign today (Friday, June 1st). Avon and Somerset police will be testing thousands of people across the area for drink and drug driving. More...

Pupils receive Jubilee mugs
CHILDREN in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have been celebrating the Queen's Jubilee this week with special visits by the town's Mayor. A total of 1,300 commemorative Jubilee Mugs have been presented free of charge to all primary school children in the towns. More...

Vintage car run to visit Burnham
OVER 100 classic vehicles will arrive on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront on Saturday evening (June 2nd) during the 19th annual Vale of Avalon Vintage Vehicle Road Run. The popular event will show off a range of vintage vehicles, from cars to bikes and emergency vehicles. More...

Controversial arcade closes
Exclusive: A CONTROVERSIAL gambling arcade in Highbridge town centre has closed down after failing to attract enough customers. Casino Slots opened in Market Street last autumn, after plans to convert the former tattoo shop into a gaming arcade were approved last June despite local opposition. More...

Decision delayed on 95 homes
Exclusive: A FINAL decision on whether controversial plans to build 95 riverside homes in Highbridge will go ahead has been deferred by district councillors this week. Sedgemoor's Development Control Committee considered the outline planning application. More...

Jazz In The Park this Sunday
AN afternoon of top jazz and swing music will be performed at Burnham-On-Sea's Jubilee Jazz In The Park this Sunday (June 3rd). The free entertainment in the Manor Gardens will include music from acclaimed local group The Bob Reynolds New Society Jazz Band. More...

Council offers low-cost bikes
BRAND new mountain bikes are being offered to Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge sixth form and college students as part of a Somerset County Council 'green' transport initiative. The Saracen Tufftrax bikes, worth £270, are available as a school year-long loan for £40. More...

Mayor gives community award
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has this week presented a special community award to a local youth football club. Coaches and players at Burnbridge Wanderers Junior Football Club were handed the award at the Oaktree Arena by Mayor Ken Smout, as pictured here. More...

Ewe lucky animal! Sheep rescued
Exclusive Photos: THESE were the scenes in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (May 29th) when firefighters were called to rescue a sheep stuck in a water-filled rhyne. One appliance from Burnham and a water rescue team from Bridgwater was sent to a field next to Ben Travers Way at 6.45pm. More...

Mayor plants new Jubilee tree
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor joined in Jubilee celebrations at a school in the town on Tuesday (May 29th) when he planted a special tree. Cllr Ken Smout visited St Andrew's School with the Town Council's Jubilee Committee Chairman, councillor Neville Jones. More...

Second Portas bid unveiled
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea is to make a second bid to become a Portas Pilot town and win a share of regeneration funding, despite learning at the weekend that its first attempt had failed. Government Minister Grant Shapps announced last Saturday that Burnham was not among the 12 towns selected. More...

Sudden death in Highbridge
POLICE and fire crews were called to a home in Highbridge on Tuesday afternoon (May 29th) following a sudden death. Three police cars and a fire engine were called out after the body of a man was reported to have been found inside a property near to the A38. More...

Hanging baskets for town
YOUNGSTERS from Highbridge Dreamscheme have brought a dash of summer colour to the town this week. They have got together with leaders and planted scores of hanging baskets in the town's Market Street and Church Street in readiness for this weekend's Jubilee. More...

New delays after roadworks
Exclusive: JUST days after major roadworks finished in Highbridge's Church Street, the county council's contractors shut the road again on Tuesday (May 29th) to make fresh repairs to the newly-laid road surface. Motorists faced temporary closures after too much bitumen was added to the surface. More...

Police hope to return mower
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea are trying to find the owner of a lawn mower that is believed to have been stolen. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of theft, but so far no-one has come forward to report the loss of the lawn mower, pictured. More...

Olympic torch's 'bean pole' role
Exclusive: CONTROVERSIAL Burnham-On-Sea Olympic torch-bearer Sarah Milner Simonds has published a photo on Twitter of her torch being used as a "bean pole for her climbers". She posted the controversial photo on the social networking website on Monday. More...

Town's Jubilee bunting installed
JUBILEE bunting has been hung along Burnham-On-Sea's High Street this week following an agreement between Somerset County Council bosses and the town's Chamber of Trade over where it could be installed. Contractors hung the patriotic bunting up on Monday. More...

Jubilee art winners unveiled
THE winning designs of a Jubilee art competition in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have been announced this week. Pupils at several local schools in the towns were challenged to create a picture or image that would best sum up the feeling of the Diamond Jubilee in our area. More...

MP opens mobility showroom
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP, Tessa Munt, officially declared a new mobility showroom run by a social enterprise company open on Monday (May 28th) in Brent Knoll. Tessa cut a ceremonial ribbon at the Pluss showroom within the Sanders Garden World garden centre, as pictured. More...

Caravan tax U-turn welcomed
HOLIDAY park bosses across the Burnham-On-Sea area have welcomed the news that the government is to downgrade its controversial plans to start charging VAT at 20 per cent on static caravans. Park bosses met Burnham's MP Tessa Munt to express their concerns about the proposals, which they claim would have led to job losses across the area. More...

Join sandcastle record bid!
SANDCASTLE builders from across the west country are being sought to join a world record attempt on Burnham-On-Sea beach this Saturday (June 2nd). An attempt to beat the world record of building more than 571 sandcastles in an hour will be held at 12.30pm on the beach. More...

Moose Lodge picks its charities
BURNHAM-On-Sea Moose Lodge's new governor has named his two new local charities of the year, which the group will be fundraising for over the next year. Governor Brian Mudge has selected a charity in Highbridge and another in Burnham for his term of office. More...

Flood-hit school to re-open
BURNHAM-On-Sea Infants School will re-open tomorrow (Tuesday) following a week-long closure caused by a flood last weekend. Water gushed out of a faulty boiler system along corridors, leaving 2-3 inches of standing water throughout the building, as pictured here. More...

Town beach walk raises £700
NON-stop sunshine provided perfect conditions for the 25 walkers who took part in a fundraising beach walk from Burnham-On-Sea to Brean on Sunday (May 26th) to support families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The 15 mile walk was from Burnham to Brean and back. More...

People trafficking fundraiser
A FUNDRAISING music event will be held in Burnham-On-Sea this Sunday (June 3rd) to raise cash for a global campaign to halt people trafficking. The nine-hour music event is being held at Burnham's Pier Tavern in Pier Street in aid of 'Stop The Traffik' from 2pm. More...

Torchbearers in town walkabout
FIVE of Burnham-On-Sea's Olympic torch bearers attracted plenty of attention when they displayed their torches during a special walkabout in the town centre on Saturday afternoon (May 26th). The group of five attracted cheers from shoppers along the High Street. More...

Biker hurt in A38 accident
Exclusive: A motorcyclist was taken to hospital following a collision with a car, which led to the A38 through Burnham-On-Sea being temporarily closed this afternoon (Sunday, May 27th). A Vauxhall Zafira and a Kawasaki ZX9R motorbike collided at the entrance to Edithmead Caravan Park, as pictured here. More...

Injury hits Liam's Olympic hopes
BURNHAM-On-Sea BMX rider Liam Phillips' Olympic hopes hang in the balance after he broke his collarbone at the BMX World Championships in Birmingham on Saturday (May 26th). Liam was rushed to hospital after tumbling over his handlebars and the extent of his injuries later became clear. More...

Windsurfers rescued at Berrow
BURNHAM'S hovercraft, lifeboats and Coastguards were called out to rescue two windsurfers this afternoon (Saturday) after they got into difficulty in strong winds and thick mud. Coastguards were initially called to Berrow Beach at 1pm, followed by lifeboats and a hovercraft. More...

Teenager rescued from dinghy
THIS was the moment a teenager was rescued by holidaymakers today (Saturday) after he was blown out half a mile into the Bristol Channel while using an inflatable dinghy. Coastguards, lifeboats, police and an ambulance from Burnham-On-Sea rushed to Berrow beach at 10.55am. More...

Burnham's Portas bid rejected
BURNHAM-On-Sea's bid to become a Portas Pilot town and win a share of £1.2m of regeneration funding has been turned down today (Saturday), but the door has been left open for a second attempt later this year. Local Government Minister Grant Shapps has today announced the successful towns. More...

Guides get into Olympics spirit
GIRL Guides from across the Burnham-On-Sea area got into the Olympics spirit this week by taking part in their own London 2012 themed event in Brent Knoll. The event on Thursday night (May 24th) was held on Brent Knoll Village Green in memory of Connie Robb. More...

Deal reached on Jubilee bunting
JUBILEE bunting will be hung along Burnham-On-Sea's High Street after all following a meeting of Somerset County Council bosses and the town's Chamber of Trade today (Friday). Concerns about the health and safety of pedestrians walking along Burnham High Street had led to reports that the town would not be able to hang bunting from lamp posts. More...

New kids club starts tomorrow
A new children's activity club is set to launch in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (May 26th). The first Saturday Morning Kids Club will be held at The Princess Theatre from 10am. Children aged 4-8 are being invited to join in two hours of games, play, art, craft and dancing. More...

Two-car accident in Highbridge
A TWO-car collison in the centre of Highbridge brought the town to a standstill on Thursday afternoon (May 24th). Police, ambulance and fire crews were called to Huntspill Road at 3.15pm, as pictured here, following the collision near to the town's Jubilee Gardens. More...

Tony's pride at carrying torch
BURNHAM-On-Sea resident Tony Bird's tireless efforts with the Air Cadets led him to carry the Olympic Torch through Wells this week. Warrant Officer Tony Bird, representing the Air Cadets, has been a volunteer for the cadets for the past 30 years and joined as a cadet at 13. More...

In photos: Sir Geoff Hurst visits
THERE was a huge surprise in store for the guests at this year’s Burnham United Juniors presentation night when England's 1966 hero Sir Geoff Hurst appeared on stage to present the trophies. The surprise visit was the prize the Club won in an FA competition. More...

Reaction to Jubilee bunting ban
SOMERSET County Council has been criticised for banning patriotic Jubilee bunting from being hung from lamp posts along Burnham-On-Sea High Street due to health and safety concerns. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported that Burnham Chamber of Trade had hoped to install the bunting. More...

Money stolen from pensioner
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week urged to residents to be extra vigilant following a distraction burglary in Berrow. Police were called to a property in the village on Saturday when a pensioner had a large sum of money stolen after opening a door to a cold caller. More...

Burnham awaits Portas decision
BURNHAM-On-Sea will find out this weekend whether it has won a share of £1m and been successful in its bid to become a Portas Pilot town. The long-awaited announcement will be made on Saturday by MP Grant Shapps, who is the Government’s lead on the project. More...

Safety fears halt Jubilee bunting
Exclusive: PATRIOTIC bunting will not be hung from lamp posts along Burnham-On-Sea High Street during next month's Jubilee due to health and safety concerns for pedestrians below, it has emerged this week. The Chamber of Trade had hoped to install several hundred metres of bunting. More...

Boost for Neighbourhood Plan
Exclusive: A NEW group is to be formed in Burnham-On-Sea to create a Neighbourhood Plan for the town following a £20,000 funding injection. At the latest meeting of the Town Council it was agreed to form a new working party to compile the new document. More...

Karate students earn red belts
THIS group of Burnham-On-Sea karate students are celebrating this week after achieving red belt status. Four students from Burnham and Highbridge Karate Club passed their grading on Sunday to achieve their red belt status. They proudly wwore their new belts. More...

Crowds flock to TV speedway
BIG crowds flocked to the Oaktree Arena near Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday (May 22nd) when Sky Sports broadcast a live coverage of the speedway clash between the Somerset Rebels and the Ipswich Witches. Viewers were treated to a closely-fought encounter. More...

New £20,000 town clock arrives
HIGHBRIDGE'S brand new town clock was installed in the town centre on Tuesday (May 22nd). The £20,000 four-faced clock was installed in Jubilee Gardens on Tuesday morning in the place of the old three-faced structure, which was demolished last month. More...

Tony's 'amazing' reception
A BURNHAM-On-Sea resident who carried the Olympic torch through Wells on Tuesday (May 22nd) has decribed the "amazing" reaction he received along the route. Tony Deahl, who is Chairman of the Hospital League of Friends, ran with the flame through Wells. More...

'Best pantomime in Somerset'
MEMBERS of Brean's Coastline Players drama group are celebrating this week after scooping a number of prizes at an annual awards night for pantomimes across the region. The Players won the Spotlight Shield for Best Village Pantomime in Somerset at the Cinderella Awards. More...

Video: Sarah explains eBay sale
A BURNHAM-On-Sea Olympic torchbearer has explained her decision to sell her official torch and uniform on eBay, which were sold for a huge £153,100. Sarah Milner Simonds, pictured, was nominated as a torchbearer for her work as a community gardener. More...

Beach fundraiser this Sunday
WALKERS are being invited to sign up to the Brean Challenge to support families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The annual fundraising walk will start at 10am this Sunday (May 27th) and will comprise of a 15 mile walk from Burnham Pier to Brean Down and back. More...

Police appeal after assault
Exclusive: POLICE have confirmed that a teenager was allegedly assaulted in Highbridge's Apex Wildlife Park earlier this week, leading to part of the park being cordoned off by officers. Officers sealed off an area of grass at the eastern side of the park near Newtown Road on Monday as the investigation began. More...

Flood-hit school stays closed
Updated: BURNHAM-ON-SEA Infants School will remain temporarily closed for the rest of the week as it recovers from flooding over the weekend. The ongoing clean up operation is taking longer than expected. An update will be issued by the school on Friday. More...

Power cut hits 3,800 homes
THOUSANDS of homes across Burnham-On-Sea were briefly without power today (Tuesday, May 22nd) following a widespread power cut. 3,800 residents lost power between approximately 1:20pm and 1:45pm, confirmed Western Power Distribution. More...

Fundraiser in Olympic torch run
Photo Special: A well-known Burnham-On-Sea charity fundraiser attracted large cheers when he ran through Glastonbury this morning (Tuesday) with the Olympic flame. Jason Vickers, who has run scores of events in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, raising over £11,000 in the process. More...

Torch seller faces £15,000 bill
Exclusive: A Burnham-On-Sea Olympic torch bearer who sold her torch for £153,100 on eBay says she faces a £15,000 bill to settle the auction site's selling fees because the winning bidder has so far failed to come forward. Sarah Milner Simonds, pictured, has attracted nationwide media coverage in recent days since placing her official torch and uniform on eBay for charity. More...

Tickets prices cut for Sky fixture
SKY TV will be broadcasting live coverage of a speedway fixture from the Oaktree Arena on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea tonight (Tuesday). Ticket prices have been slashed for Somerset Rebels' first home league meeting of the season against Ipswich. More...

Brave Katrina in torch relay
A BURNHAM-On-Sea teenager was cheered on by a crowd of school friends when she carried the Olympic torch through Dunster on Monday. Katrina Doyle, 13, was nominated as a torch bearer after overcoming leukaemia as a child and going on to raise thousands of pounds for charity. More...

Arthur carries Olympic torch
BURNHAM-On-Sea pensioner Arthur Gilbert - who was last year named the world's oldest triathlete - has carried the Olympic torch through Minhead to the sound of loud cheers this afternoon (Monday, May 21st). Arthur, 91, was handed the world record title last year. More...

Apex Park sealed off in probe
Exclusive: POLICE sealed off part of Highbridge's Apex Wildlife Park today (Monday, May 21st) as they investigated allegations of a "serious overnight incident." Officers sealed off an area of grassland at the eastern side of the park near Newtown Road, pictured here. More...

Flood drama shuts town school
BURNHAM-On-Sea Infants School has been temporarily closed today (Monday) due to flooding over the weekend. Water has gushed out of a faulty boiler system along corridors, leaving 2-3 inches of standing water throughout the building, as pictured here. More...

Cat poisoning alert in Burnham
CAT owners in Burnham-On-Sea have this week been warned to be on their guard after an animal died of suspected anti-freeze poisoning in the town. One animal has died, another is ill and a third is missing in the Wallace Wells Road area of Burnham-On-Sea. More...

Jubilee mugs for town children
OVER 1,300 mugs are to be distributed to schoolchildren across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge to mark the Queen's Jubilee celebrations. A specially-commissioned commemorative Jubilee Mugs will be presented to all primary school children in the two towns. More...

Full A-Z guide to Jubilee events
FOUR days of celebrations are to be held in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge this June to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. The Town Council, local groups and residents have been working together for several months to compile a full diary of events over the extended holiday weekend from 2nd-5th June. More...

Olympic torch sells for £153,100
Exclusive: A Burnham-On-Sea Olympic torchbearer has sold her torch and official uniform on auction website eBay for £153,100. Sarah Milner Simonds was nominated as a torchbearer for her work as a community gardener in social housing areas, and is due to run with the flame through Dunster on Monday. More...

Horse rider air-lifted to hospital
Exclusive: A HORSE rider was air-lifted to hospital with suspected head injuries today (Sunday) after he was thrown from his animal near Burnham-On-Sea. Ambulance crews and police were called to Burton Row in Brent Knoll just after 3pm when the man came off his horse while riding along the road. More...

Olympic torch sale is defended
Exclusive: A Burnham-On-Sea Olympic torch bearer has today defended her decision to sell her torch on auction website eBay. Sarah Milner Simonds, pictured, was nominated for her work as a community gardener in high-density social housing areas across the UK, and is due to run with the flame on Monday. More...

Cyclists warned over security
POLICE have this week issued a warning to cyclists and bikers in the Burnham-On-Sea area who may be dusting off and cleaning down their bikes for weekend rides in the sunshine. They have warned that more bikes and motorcycles on the road may mean more thefts. More...

Boost for school expansion plans
SEDGEMOOR District Council has this week signed a 25-year lease of Burnham-On-Sea's Winchester Road Playing Fields to Somerset County Council, enabling work to expand neighbouring Burnham Infants School to proceed. The lease covers 381m2 of land and will enable the County Council to provide an additional classroom extension within the Infants School site. More...

Green-fingered event at Cove
SCORES of green-fingered residents joined a special gardening workshop at Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens on Saturday (19th May). The session provided an opportunity to brush up on basic gardening skills at the recently-restored seafront gardens. More...

Torch bearers ready for big day
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has wished the town's Olympic torch bearers well during a visit to a special training session on the town's beach. Burnham's torch bearers Arthur Gilbert, Jason Vickers, Tony Deahl, Katrina Doyle and Sarah Milner Simonds were visited by Mayor Ken Smout on Friday (May 18th). More...

TV's John Inverdale in town
LEADING BBC sports presenter John Inverdale was the special guest at Burnham-On-Sea Rugby Club's presentation night on Friday (18th May). The well-known TV and radio personality gave a humorous speech about his work and presented the end-of-season awards. More...

Join gardening workshop
SEDGEMOOR District Council and Somerset Skills and Learning will be running a Gardening Workshop at Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens today (Saturday) between 10am and 4pm. The session will provide an chance to brush up on gardening skills. More...

Hairdressers are cut above rest
STUDENTS from a local hair salon will be presenting an evening of hairdressing and make-up skills at Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre on Monday May 28th at 7.30pm. The show, featuring students from the Lucy Gunter Dance School, will showcase various skills. More...

Store's boost for hospital ward
CARING staff from Highbridge's Asda supermarket have this week presented a cheque to the children's ward at Taunton's Musgrove Hospital. Asda's Kim Blyth and Anne-Marie Wallace presented a cheque for £144.77 following an event during the Easter period last month. More...

Motorist hurt in lorry crash
THE driver of this van was rushed to hospital on Thursday May 17th after a serious accident in Highbridge. Police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the town's Isleport Industrial Estate after a red van ploughed into the back of a parked lorry in Bennett Road. More...

Oops! MP gets fit of giggles
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP had a fit of the giggles after a Government minister inadvertently sat on his senior colleague after answering a question at the despatch box. Tessa Munt had to take a few moments to compose herself amid protracted laughter. More...

Minister's boost for Highbridge
CAROLINE Spelman, Secretary of State for the Environment, visited Highbridge on Thursday (May 17th) and announced that the town is to get a multi-million pound investment. A new 'enterprise hub' is to be built on an area of land next to the town's Isleport Business Park recycling centre. More...

Sun powers Burnham theatre
Exclusive: A £23,000 project to create a huge solar energy farm on top of Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Theatre has been successfully completed. 40 photovoltaic cells have been installed on the roof of the theatre in Princess Street and are already generating around £400 of electricity per month. More...

Seafront mural takes shape
THE walls along part of Burnham-On-Sea's South Esplanade have been the focus for a group of local artists this week as they undertake work on a new mural. Highbridge and Burnham Artists (HABA) in conjunction with Burnham Sailing Club have been painting a mural. More...

Dentists stride out for charity
STAFF from a Burnham-On-Sea dental practice will be pulling on their walking boots today (Thursday, May 17th) to take part in a fundraising event for charity. The group, from College Street Dental Practice, are walking seven miles from Holford to Crowcombe to raise money for two charities. More...

Slimmers in weighty challenge!
A GROUP of slimmers from Burnham-On-Sea has lost an amazing 139 stone in 12 weeks as part of a weight loss challenge. Five groups of residents at Burnham's Slimming World took part in the event and those who lost the most were presented with certificates. More...

Probe into Hinkley fire begins
AN investigation is underway to establish the cause of a fire at Hinkley Point nuclear power station near Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (May 16th). Firefighters were called to Hinkley Point B by owners EDF Energy on Wednesday morning after a small fire at the plant. More...

Barrage back in the spotlight
THE possibility of a Severn Barrage being built across the Bristol Channel from near Burnham-On-Sea to Wales has edged forward this week following the resignation of former Wales and Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain who is to take up a campaign for a barrage. More...

£34,000 boost for Highbridge
Exclusive: ALMOST £34,000 of funding is to be handed out to community groups in Highbridge as part of brand new community initiative launched on Tuesday (May 15th). The Highbridge Community First Programme has been formed after an injection of cash from the Community Development Foundation. More...

Antiques valuation day in town
AN Antiques Roadshow style event will be held in Highbridge on Thursday (May 17th) when experts will be on hand to value collectables. The event at St John Ambulance Hall in Bank Street will be held from 11am-3pm. Three experts will be offering valuations. More...

Dementia event in Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents who are concerned about memory loss can get free advice during a special event in the town next week. NHS Somerset says forgetfulness happens to everyone at some time in their lives, but can lead people to worry about the symptoms hiding a disease such as dementia. More...

Local beaches win awards
THE quality of Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow beaches has been praised this week in the 2012 Quality Coast Awards. Keep Britain Tidy announced that our local beaches were among those across England that had received awards in recognition of their quality of facilities. More...

New Burnham park set to open
WORK to transform a former waste landfill site into a new public park in Burnham-On-Sea is progressing well and is set to be completed this year. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported in 2009 that Sedgemoor District Council was to spend £2.4m on clearing up the waste site in order to turn into a public space. More...

Battle of The Bands announced
ENTRIES are being welcomed for Burnham-On-Sea's first ever 'battle of the bands', to be held in the town next month. The organisers of Burnham's Folkfest have launched the 'Acoustic Battle of the Bands' competition, which will be held on Friday June 8th. More...

47-mile diversion gets underway
EIGHT nights of controversial road closures through the centre Highbridge are underway this week. The closure of Church Street from 6.30pm to midnight each weekday evening until May 23rd has been dubbed "the UK's longest diversion route" by one local town councillor. More...

Cheers! Pub receives top award
A PUB near Burnham-On-Sea was presented with a top award from the Campaign for Real Ale on Monday evening (May 14th). The Crossways in West Huntspill has been named CAMRA's pub of the season and its bar manager, Steve Dean, received the award during a ceremony on Monday night. More...

Bike run raises charity cash
A LONG line of motorbikes cruised along Burnham seafront on Sunday (May 13th) at the end of a fundraising bike run in aid of a local charity. Over 30 Somerset Motorcycle Group members took part in the charity ride, which started in Highbridge, in aid of BARB. More...

Man arrested after pub incident
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man was arrested by police following an alleged racist incident at the Berrow Inn on Saturday evening (May 12th). Police were called to the pub, as pictured here, after a woman claimed she had been verbally abused with racist remarks. More...

Town announces bloom bid
Exclusive: ORGANISERS of Highbridge's entry into the annual Britain In Bloom competition are this week gearing up for this year's contest, having reversed their earlier decision not to enter the contest. The Highbridge in Bloom group had decided not to enter. More...

Sky to visit Oaktree speedway
SKY TV will be broadcasting live coverage of a speedway fixture from the Oaktree Arena on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea next week. Somerset Rebels' first home league meeting of the season against Ipswich will be beamed live into millions of homes across the UK on Tuesday, May 22nd. More...

Council boss visits BARB AGM
THE Chief Executive of North Somerset Council was the special guest at the AGM of Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercraft charity BARB on Friday evening (May 11th). Graham Turner joined 40 people at Burnham's Town Council Chambers in Jaycroft Road. More...

Church plans Royal celebration
AT first glance you might think St Andrew's Church in Burnham-On-Sea has welcomed a very special Royal visitor this week! However, the church's IT team has in fact indulged in a little photo trickery in order to promote its Royal-themed celebration next weekend. More...

Beer festival will return in 2013
MORE than 750 people visited Burnham-On-Sea's first Beer Festival, delighting organisers who say it will return again in 2013. The three-day festival, which was held in the town's Ritz Social Club over the May Bank Holiday weekend, saw a wide range of real ales on sale. More...

Tourist centre's year of success
BURNHAM-On-Sea's tourist information centre made a small overall profit and dealt with 76,000 visitors in its first year under the management of a new community group of volunteers, it was confirmed this week. BIARS (Burnham Information and Rescue Support) held its first annual general meeting. More...

Crowds flock to Berrow craft fair
WOODCRAFT, ceramics and cakes were among the wide range of locally-made items on show at a craft fair in Berrow on Saturday (12th May). Scores of locally-produced items went on sale during the day-long fundraising event at the Berrow Inn, where over 40 stalls were set up. More...

Richard's talk raises £2,500
AROUND £2,500 was raised for a wildlide rescue charity on Saturday (May 12th) when a newspaper photographer gave a talk in Burnham-On-Sea about his work in capturing images of animals. Richard Austin from the Western Morning News gave the talk in Burnham's Princess Theatre. More...

'Deep concern' over 95 homes
Exclusive: A TOWN councillor has this week expressed "deep concerns" about the way in which a controversial planning application for 95 riverside homes in Highbridge has been considered. Cllr Helen Groves said proposals to turn the riverside boatyard in Clyce Road into a development of 95 new homes should be re-thought. More...

Firefighters tackle car blaze
FIREFIGHTERS from Burnham-On-Sea were called to tackle a car blaze in Rooksbridge on Friday evening (May 11th). One fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to Mendip Road at 7.19pm after residents reported the vehicle was burning. Crews used two hose reel jets. More...

Photographer to give talk
A PRESS photographer will be giving a talk in Burnham-On-Sea today (Saturday) about his work in capturing images of animals. Richard Austin, a senior photographer for the Western Morning News, will give the talk at 2pm in Burnham's Princess Theatre. More...

New £120k sports area planned
Exclusive: A new £120,000 outdoor sports area will be built in Highbridge's Apex Park under proposals unveiled this week. Burnham and Highbridge Town Council is to submit a bid for £100,000 of funding for a new MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) in Apex Park similar to the one pictured above in Berrow. More...

Sudden death at holiday park
POLICE were called to a holiday park in Brean on Thursday (May 10th) after the sudden death of a woman. An air ambulance was initially sent to Warren Farm Holiday Centre in South Road after a holidaymaker was reported to be unwell in her caravan, but she later died. More...

47 mile detour: council 'sorry'
Exclusive: SOMERSET County Council has issued an apology to motorists after putting in place a 47-mile diversion route around a small patch of roadworks in the centre of Highbridge. The 'UK's longest diversion route" is to be put in place while Church Street is closed. More...

Pub's stolen lion is returned
A WOODEN carving of a lion, which was stolen from a pub near Highbridge last month, has been returned in the post. The owners of the Watchfield Inn issued an appeal last month after the ornate seven inch wide carving was removed from an old fireplace in the bar. More...

High-value theft at Asda store
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have this week appealed for the public's help in identifying these two men as part of their investigation into a high-value theft from a Highbridge supermarket. The incident occurred at the town's Asda supermarket on 25th March. More...

Is this UK's longest diversion?
Exclusive: MOTORISTS who want to travel along a Highbridge road next week will be asked to take a 47-mile diversion across Somerset in what has been described as "the UK's longest diversion route". The diversion will be put in place while a short stretch of Church Street is closed from May 14th. More...

New Mayor is elected in town
Special coverage: TOWN councillor Ken Smout was elected as Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's new Mayor on Wednesday night (May 9th). The former police officer was chosen by town councillors to fill the busy role previously held by Michael Clarke for the past two years. More...

Self-serve upgrade for library
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea Library users will soon be able to help themselves as self-service kiosks are introduced. Burnham's library in Princess Street will be among several libraries in the county to benefit from the technology as part of a scheme to modernise it. More...

Craft fair to be held in Berrow
THE first in a series of free craft fairs will be held in Berrow this Saturday (12th May). Scores of locally made craftwork items will be on display during the event at the Berrow Inn from 11am throughout the day, with some of the proceeds going to local charity. More...

Law firm sponsors football team
YOUNGSTERS at Burnham United have been given new kits as part of a sponsorship deal with a local firm. Burnham solicitors Holley & Steer are sponsoring Burnham United Under 9s and have presented the delighted youngsters with new clothing, as pictured. More...

Biker hurt in A38 accident
A MOTORCYCLIST was taken to hospital suffering from cuts and bruising following an accident in Highbridge on Tuesday evening (May 8th). A motorbike and van collided at 4.45pm on the A38 roundabout next to the entrance to Highbridge's Isleport Industrial Estate. More...

New Mayor to be chosen
A NEW Mayor and Mayoress will be elected by town councillors in Burnham-On-Sea this evening (Wednesday, May 9th). Cllr Michael Clarke and his wife Maria, the existing Mayor and Mayoress, have had a busy two years in the role and are set to step down at a council meeting. More...

Football is a hit at tennis club
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea's Avenue Tennis Club enjoyed a game of top flight football after competing in social tennis tournament on Saturday. The club's event coincided with the big game, so after the 28 players had enjoyed playing mixed doubles. More...

Arson probe after house fire
Exclusive: POLICE have launched an arson probe after a huge fire destroyed this vacant farmhouse near Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend. Fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea were called out on three separate days to extinguish blazes at the property in Withy Road, East Huntspill, as pictured here. More...

Air ambulance cleared to fly
AIR ambulances, including Somerset's, have been cleared to fly again, after half of the UK's fleet of 32 helicopters were grounded over safety fears on Tuesday (May 8th). The main operator, Bond Air Services, had withdrawn all 22 of its Eurocopter EC 135 helicopters. More...

Crime rate rises 3% in Burnham
Exclusive: CRIME rates in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have shown a slight increase over the past year, according to new figures this week. However, police have sought to reassure residents that there is no need for concern after the 3% increase. More...

Town historian to give talk
DOZENS of historical photos showing life in Burnham-On-Sea over the past 130 years will be displayed during a special talk in the town this week. Local historian John Strickland will give an illustrated talk on 'The Important Dates in the History of Burnham'. More...

Fearsome creature washed up!
THIS was the fearsome sight that met a kite surfer on Burnham-On-Sea's beach over the weekend. The creature was washed up on the high tide line near the town's lighthouse just as a group of kite surfers was setting off into the sea. It was found by one of the kiters. More...

Team of the year is announced
BEAMING members of Burnbridge Wanderers Junior Football Club's under 13s side had an extra reason to smile at the club's presentation evening on Friday (May 4th). The youngsters won the club's trophy for team of the year, having gone undefeated in their league. More...

Search after Mayday message
BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards and lifeboat crews joined a search of the Bristol Channel on Monday evening (May 7th) amid concern for a yacht. Coastguards were called out at 5.30pm after reports that an emergency Mayday radio message had been heard. More...

May Day royalty is crowned!
A TRADITIONAL May Day celebration took place today in Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Monday). The event was scheduled to be held in the town's Marine Cove gardens but was moved to the Bay Centre in Cassis Close due to the threat of wet weather. More...

Motorist cut free from crash
FIRE crews cut free a motorist trapped in a vehicle near Burnham-On-Sea this afternoon (Monday, May 7th). The A370 at East Brent was closed near the entrance to Dulhorn Farm caravan park for several hours following the two-car accident, which occurred at 1.30pm. More...

Car blaze drama in Burnham
THESE were the dramatic scenes outside a Burnham-On-Sea pub late last night (Sunday, May 6th) when firefighters were called to a blazing car. A Honda was engulfed in flames after developing an electrical fault outside the Dunstan House pub in Love Lane at 11.30pm, as pictured here. More...

In photos: Party In The Park
BURNHAM-On-Sea's summer season of free outdoor music events kicked off on Sunday (May 6th) with the town's annual Party In The Park. Large crowds of people flocked to the town's Manor Gardens for five hours of entertainment and live music featuring popular local group The Ginger Hitlas plus Kyotie. More...

Town healing festival success
CLAIRVOYANTS and mediums were among scores of exhibitors taking part in a 'Living With Spirit Festival' in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (May 5th). The event at the town's Princess Theatre was such a success that organisers are now planning a follow-up event this autumn. More...

Week-long yard sale underway
MORE than £1,000 was raised for an African charity on the first day of a week-long yard sale which is being held at a Burnham-On-Sea home. Sue Stevens and friends are holding the fundraising sale at 41 Margaret Crescent, just off Burnham's South Esplanade in aid of Kenya children. More...

May Day celebration tomorrow
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens will be hosting a May Day celebration with a Royal theme when a king and queen are appointed! The traditional May Day celebration will take place on Monday 7th May from 1-3.30pm and will be open to all local people. More...

Two rescued from Brean rocks
TWO people were rescued from rocks at Brean Down last night (Saturday) after becoming stranded by the incoming tide. Coastguards and lifeboats from Burnham-On-Sea were called to Brean Down at 5.18pm after the two walkers were spotted to have got cut-off by the tide. More...

Five fire crews at house blaze
FIVE fire crews from across the area tackled a huge house blaze near Burnham-On-Sea early today (Sunday, May 6th). Crews were called to Withy Road in East Huntspill after several calls were received from local residents about the blaze in a derelict property. More...

Healing festival in town
CLAIRVOYANTS and mediums are among the exhibitors taking part in a 'Living With Spirit Festival' in Burnham-On-Sea today (Saturday). The event at The Princess Theatre runs from 10am-5pm and also includes tarot cards, crystals, healing and therapies and palm reading. More...

Trees presented to town school
PUPILS at Churchfield Primary School in Highbridge have been presented with 50 saplings by a Somerset garden centre to mark their move into a new school building later this year. The school has received the small trees from Monkton Elm Garden Centre. More...

Canoe man rescued from river
A CANOE enthusiast was rushed to hospital after being rescued from a river in East Huntspill this afternoon (Friday, May 4th). Fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater were called to Merry Lane in the village shortly after 4pm. The man fell out of his canoe into the cold wate. More...

Tax fight goes to Westminster
Exclusive: HOLIDAY park bosses from across the Burnham-On-Sea area will visit Westminster next week to lobby ministers over controversial plans to begin charging VAT at 20 per cent on static caravans. It comes after a group of 40 park bosses met MP Tessa Munt on Thursday (May 3rd). More...

Party In The Park this Sunday
BURNHAM-On-Sea's summer season of free outdoor music events kicks off this Sunday (May 6th) with the town's annual Party In The Park. The town's Manor Gardens will be alive with entertainment and live music from 12.30pm to 5.30pm featuring The Ginger Hitlas. More...

Beer Festival starts on Saturday
BURNHAM-On-Sea is set to hold a three-day beer festival over this May Bank Holiday weekend. Organisers of the Burnham Beer Festival, which will be held at the Ritz Social Club in Victoria Street, hope it will attract devotees of real ale from across the area. More...

Choral Society concert tomorrow
AN evening of popular choral music will be performed by Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Choral Society this Saturday (May 5th) when the group holds its Spring concert. The event will be performed in St John's Church from 7.30pm and will include John Rutter’s Requiem. More...

Pensioner dies after crash
POLICE have said that a pensioner has died following an accident in Berrow on Monday morning (April 30th). The 69 year-old had been towing a caravan when he crashed in Barton Road, as pictured here. He was airlifted to Weston General Hospital following the crash at 9.30am on Monday. More...

Fresh hopes for new ferry service
BRAND new plans to launch a cross-channel passenger ferry service between Burnham-On-Sea and Wales have been unveiled this week, with the promise of delivering a "significant economic boost." Businessman Chris Marrow has announced proposals to begin trials of a service between Burnham and Cardiff. More...

Deer brings town to a standstill!
Exclusive Photos: THIS deer briefly brought the centre of Highbridge to a standstill on Wednesday (May 2nd) when it gave police, residents and wildlife carers the run-around. Police briefly closed Church Street after the animal was seen dodging in and out of moving cars along the busy road. More...

Awards for town firefighters
TWO firemen in Burnham-On-Sea have this week received long service medals. Burnham firefighter Stephen Hand and Crew Manager Keith Hellier were presented with medals to mark their service of more than 20 years to the fire brigade during a presentation on Monday. More...

New tennis players sought
NEW players are being sought by Burnham-On-Sea's Avenue Tennis Club to take part in matches over the summer season. The Avenue Tennis Club's men's teams have this week begun their first matches of the new North Somerset Tennis League season. More...

Anger over 'caravan tax' plans
HOLIDAY bosses in the Burnham-On-Sea area fear the local tourist economy could be dealt a serious blow by government plans to begin charging VAT at 20 per cent on caravans. Holiday park operators say jobs could be under threat if the proposals to add VAT to the price of static caravans go ahead. More...

Homes flooded in Edithmead
HEAVY rain left several homes in Edithmead, on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea, surrounded by flood water on Tuesday morning (May 1st). Several days of rainfall caused flooding for several residents in Stoddens Lane with the standing water being up to a foot deep. More...

National acclaim for sea cadets
A GROUP of 13 sea cadets from Burnham-On-Sea has achieved a clean sweep of all the trophies in their category at a national drill competition. The team from Burnham's TS Dulverton Sea Cadets took part in the National Competition at HMS Raleigh in Plymouth at the weekend. More...

MP backs gravestones appeal
BURNHAM-On-Sea MP Tessa Munt has backed an appeal to rebuild the graves of First World World servicemen in Wedmore. Tessa has this week met the Manager of the Wedmore War Graves Appeal, which is seeking to raise £2,250 to rebuild the graves in St Mary's Churchyard. More...

Have your say on policing...
HIGHBRIDGE residents will be able to have their say about policing in the town on Thursday evening (May 3rd) when a quarterly public meeting is held. The 'Have Your Say' meetings give local residents a chance to influence what happens in their neighbourhood. More...

Jubilee wall starts to take shape
A NEW commemorative wall which is being built in Highbridge's Apex Park to mark June's Queen's Diamond Jubilee is beginning to take shape. Following the completion of a foundation slab, a group of apprentices from Bridgwater College have started building the wall as part of their construction training. More...

New relief lifeboat arrives
EAGLE-eyed observers will notice a change of name on Burnham-On-Sea's Atlantic 75 lifeboat this week. Burnham's lifeboat 'The Staines Whitfield' has been taken off service for a five yearly re-fit, and has been temporarily replaced by a substitute lifeboat from the relief fleet. More...

Dragon's Den contest for town!
COMMUNITY groups in Burnham-On-Sea who are seeking funding will be able to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges during an event that will be similar to the BBC's hit TV show Dragon's Den next month. Burnham Lions will be holding their 'Lions Den' event in June. More...

Village pub wins beer award
A PUB near Burnham-On-Sea has won a prestigious award from the Campaign for Real Ale. The Crossways in West Huntspill has been named CAMRA's pub of the season in Somerset for its quality and range of beers. Landlady Jaime Wallace said: "We're thrilled with the news." More...

Boost for theatre on birthday
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's Princess Theatre has this week celebrated its first birthday under the management of the town council and announced a major programme of improvements for the coming year. The Town Council took over the theatre from Sedgemoor District Council and saved it from closure. More...

Medical ethics expert to visit
THE ethics of bodily enhancement will be explored at Burnham-On-Sea Philosophy Group's monthly meeting this Wednesday (May 2nd), when a leading professor will visit the town. A social scientist will be the speaker at the meeting in the community centre, starting at 7.30pm. More...

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