November 2010 Burnham-On-Sea News Archive

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Child abuse suspect on the run
A FORMER Burnham-On-Sea man who is facing trial on 26 child sex charges has gone on the run, police have admitted this week. Police said Robert Hands, pictured, was last seen in July and also said the 53-year-old "may be a danger to the public". An appeal has been issued to find him. More...

Santa's sleigh rides for charity
A NEW tourist hovercraft which has been designed to look like Santa's Sleigh started offering pleasure trips along Burnham-On-Sea beach on Wednesday (December 1st). The service, run by Hovabout, is offering families rides along the beach up to Christmas for charity. More...

Two injured in M5 accident
TWO people were rushed to hospital with suspected neck injuries following an accident which partially closed the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (December 1st). Two lanes of the southbound carriageway were closed near junction 23, as pictured here, after the two-car collision. More...

Harry Potter 7 arrives at The Ritz
BURNHAM-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews one of the latest films currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. This week, she reviews the much-anticipated Harry Potter 7. Read more of Molly's reviews of films showing in Burnham here on Burnham-On-Sea.com each week. More...

Santa's sleigh is a hovercraft!
A NEW tourist hovercraft that's designed to look like Santa's Sleigh will be offering pleasure trips along Burnham-On-Sea beach from today (Wednesday, December 1st). Hovercraft operator Hovabout is offering children the chance to ride on the sleigh over the next four weeks. More...

Butlins considering Pontin's bid?
BUTLINS is reportedly among the potential bidders interested in buying collapsed holiday park firm Pontin's, which runs a park at Brean. A national newspaper has this week named Butlins as one of the possible bidders for Pontin's, which went into administration almost three weeks ago. More...

Xmas lights contest begins
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge residents who decorate their homes with colourful lights are being urged to enter the towns' annual Christmas lights competition. The Town Council is inviting residents and businesses to enter the contest by the closing date of December 13th. More...

Hinkley application submitted
EDF Energy has this week submitted a planning application for site preparation works which may in turn lead to the construction and operation of a new power station at Hinkley Point, near Burnham-On-Sea. The firm announced the plan on Tuesday (November 30th). More...

Success for tennis youngsters
YOUNG tennis players at Burnham-On-Sea's Avenue Tennis Club have been celebrating success this week. Megan Rundle travelled to Taunton where she confidently won all her round robin matches against the other girls taking part in the Tony Pryce Series tournament. More...

Town centre gets power wash
PAVEMENTS in Burnham-On-Sea town centre have had their regular bi-annual wash and brush up this week. Sedgemoor District Council’s Clean Surroundings contractors, Powerclean, have been washing Burnham's main town centre High Street ahead of the Xmas shopping season. More...

Fire crew offer blanket checks
FIREFIGHTERS in Burnham-On-Sea are to hold free electric blanket testing sessions for residents in an effort to reduce accidental fires. Residents can take their electric blankets to Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station on Wednesday 15th December to have them safety checked. More...

Blanket of snow for Burnham
In photos: BURNHAM -On-Sea was covered in a blanket of snow this morning (Tuesday, November 30th) as the cold wintery weather continued. A quarter of an inch of snow fell during the early hours of the day, covering streets and pavements and creating some icy scenes. More...

Swan rescued from icy lake
A SWAN was rescued from a frozen lake at Highbridge's Apex Wildlife Park on Monday evening (November 29th) after it became trapped in the ice. Wildlife carers from East Huntspill's Secret World called on the help of Burnham rescue charity BARB to help reach the stricken bird. More...

Tourist centre group unveiled
Exclusive: Over a dozen volunteers have this week come forward to offer their help in running Burnham-On-Sea's tourist information centre from next spring. A public meeting was held in the town on Monday evening (November 29th) when the newly-created BIARS formed its volunteer management team. More...

Family's Xmas charity display
AN East Huntspill family hope their display of thousands of sparkling Christmas lights will raise money for a good cause. The Bird family have lit up their home at 28 Cornmoor Crescent in East Huntspill with the colourful display to raise cash for St Margaret's Hospice. More...

Long service medal for Julie
A POLICE sergeant at Burnham-On-Sea police station has this week been recognised for her 22 years of service. Sergeant Julie Tolley has been presented with a Police Long Service Medal by by colleagues. Sgt Tolley first joined Avon and Somerset police in October 1988. More...

A38 roadworks are postponed
A WEEK of roadworks along the busy A38 near Burnham-On-Sea have been postponed due to the wintry weather. The A38 Bristol Road between Brent Knoll and Burnham was due to be closed each night from November 26th until December 3rd, but the work has been postponed until the New Year. More...

Free laptops for town pupils
SIXTH form pupils at Highbridge's King Alfred School have been given free laptop computers to help them with their studies. The sixth formers have been glued to their netbooks this term after received them as a gift from the school to encourage independent learning and out of school study. More...

Certificates for childminders
MEMBERS of a childminders group based in Burnham-On-Sea have been awarded certificates after successfully completing a course in children's communication. The six members of North Sedgemoor Childminders have been taking part in a course delivered by Childrens Centre Teacher Emma Packer. More...

MP's concerns over betting shops
Exclusive: Burnham-On-Sea's MP has spoken out in the House of Commons about her concerns over the 'proliferation of betting shops' in the town and called for local authorities to have more power to decide where such businesses are located. Tessa Munt's comments came during a parliamentary debate in the Commons regarding the future of bookmakers and planning. More...

108 hardy runners finish race
MORE than 100 runners from across the South West braved icy conditions to take part in the annual race from Burnham-On-Sea to the top of Brent Knoll and back on Sunday (November 28th). The 5.5 mile Brent Knoll Run has been held for over 20 years. More... | Results

New bistro has five star appeal
STAFF at a Burnham-On-Sea restaurant are celebrating after getting five star recognition. Recently-opened TA8s in Pier Street has won praise in the latest survey by the district council's Food Safety Team as part of the Somerset Food Scores food hygiene scheme. More...

Police appeal after seafront crash
Exclusive: Police have appealed for witnesses following this seafront crash in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday night (November 27th). Debris was sent flying, as pictured here, after the driver of a Honda Civic lost control of the vehicle on the North Esplanade near a pedestrian crossing. More...

Icy scenes on Burnham beach
A LONG line of ice stretched along the tide line on Burnham's beach on Sunday (November 28th) as sub-zero temperatures left the area shivering. The wintry cold snap continued with temperatures falling to -7°c overnight with a wind chill of a teeth-chattering -10°c. More...

Huge search for wanted man
Exclusive: POLICE launched a huge search operation in Highbridge this morning (Saturday) after a wanted man fled from officers along railway tracks and across fields. Police were called to the town at around 11.30am after the 18 year-old man was spotted boarding a train. More...

Burnham lights up for Xmas
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Carnival Queen and her Princesses were joined by Santa, the town's Mayor and Mayoress and a local radio presenter in switching on the town's Christmas lights today (Saturday, November 27th). The annual ceremony was held outside the Victoria Hotel in Victoria Street. More...

Sudden death in Burnham
POLICE were called to the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (November 27th) after a sudden death. Officers were called to College Street, as pictured, after a man collapsed and died at Burnham Methodist Church Hall, where a coffee morning was taking place. More...

Wintry scenes in Brrr-nham!
MOTORISTS and pedestrians in Burnham-On-Sea have been warned to take extra care on icy roads and pavements in the area today (Saturday, November 27th). Temperatures in Burnham plunged to -4°c overnight and there was a further light sprinkling of snow. More...

Fire crew tackles house blaze
A BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crew tackled a small blaze at a home in East Huntspill this morning (Saturday, November 27th). A fire engine was sent to a property in Withy Road at 7.50am, as pictured here, after a wooden lintel above an Aga stove set alight. More...

Distraction burglars target store
Police have appealed for information after a distraction burglary took place at this games store in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday (November 25th). Officers were called to MI Games in Cross Street at 3.30pm after a group of people entered the store and made off with an Xbox. More...

Blood bikes get free home
LOCAL charity Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service has a new home in Highbridge this week for its blood bikes. Homes in Sedgemoor has supplied the group with a free storage garage that is currently unoccupied in order to store its bikes when they are unused. More...

Weather warning for motorists
Motorists and pedestrians in Burnham-On-Sea have been warned to take extra care after snow and ice on Friday night (November 26th) caused hazardous conditions. Police urged motorists to travel carefully in the Burnham area, after sleet and snow began falling a around 3.30pm. More...

Parkers 'putting pupils at risk'
Exclusive: PARENTS who illegally park their cars on double yellow lines outside a Highbridge school have this week been warned that they are potentially putting children's safety at risk. Police have written to the parents of pupils at Churchfield School after concerns were raised by concerned residents and parents about parking problems. More...

Slimmers' weighty donation!
MEMBERS of a slimming club in Burnham-On-Sea have this week presented a weighty donation to a local cancer charity. Members of the Slimming World group who meet weekly at Burnham-On-Sea Infants School have collected 2,000 five pence pieces in lose change over the past year. More...

Two shops shut in town centre
Exclusive: TWO shops in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea have pulled down their shutters for the final time this month. Choice Clothing and Eve in the High Street have both closed after struggling during the difficult climate, but the Chamber of Trade says overall trade is fine. More...

Pupils become newsreaders
A GROUP of King Alfred School students became newsreaders for a day this week when they recorded news items from Burnham-On-Sea.com for an audio news service aimed at local blind and partially-sighted people. Four King Alfred students took part in the day-long recording exercise. More...

Lions childrens concert today
TICKETS have gone on sale for a fundraising Christmas concert in Burnham-On-Sea to be performed by local schoolchildren. Burnham-On-Sea Lions are holding the second annual 'Singing For Children' concert on Friday 26th November at The Princess. More...

MP calls for village green re-think
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week backed calls for a change in the law that lets groups of people apply to turn land into village greens, thereby protecting them from development. She says hundreds of people across the UK - including a group of residents on Burnham's Esplanade - have been making use of the Commons Act 2006. More...

Burnham set for snowfall?
BURNHAM-On-Sea could get its first sprinkling of snow over the next week if weather forecasts prove accurate. The Met Office says temperatures will plunge during the next few days, with wintry weather expected to sweep into our area. Temperatures will be below average, falling to -4°c at night, with sharp overnight frosts. More...

Town markets funding in jeopardy?
Exclusive: Town councillors have this week considered cutting their grant funding to Burnham-On-Sea's monthly farmers markets. At a meeting last night (Wednesday, November 25th), they discussed whether to reduce the annual £1,200 grant that enables the events in Burnham High Street to be held each month. More...

Chemist decision overturned
Exclusive: THE Planning Inspectorate has overturned a decision by the district council to stop a new chemist shop being built next to Burnham-On-Sea Medical Centre. Town and district councillors lodged their objections to the proposals earlier this year amid several concerrns. More...

Fight against rogue traders
NEW cold-calling schemes are being set-up by police in rural areas near Burnham-On-Sea this month to help protect residents from rogue door-to-door traders. Brand new zones are being launched in Mark, Blackford and Wedmore after successes in other villages. More...

Leisure Park's £15k donations
BREAN Leisure Park has handed out almost £15,000 to local charities and good causes over the past year. Fundraising events this year have included a Golf Pro Am Tournament, which raised £1,800 for the Injured Jockeys fund and £500 for the Alzheimer Society. More...

Missing lady found by police
A POLICE search for a Burnham-On-Sea resident who went missing earlier this week has been called off after she was found safe and well. Police told Burnham-On-Sea.com today (Wednesday) that Christine Wright had been found safely in Nether Stowey. More...

Bikers boost local charities
GENEROUS members of Somerset Motorcycle Group have given several local charities a boost this week after a year of fundraising bike rides. Burnham rescue hovercraft charity BARB was among five good causes which received donations from the group. More...

TIC charity appeals for helpers
Exclusive: THE organisers of a new charity set up to take over Burnham-On-Sea's closure-threatened Tourist Information Centre have this week appealed for more volunteers to come forward to help run the service. Cllr Neville Jones and Tom Ashton have signed an official letter of agreement with the District Council. More...

Council writes off £100k debt
SEDGEMOOR District Council has written off almost £120,000 of bad debt this month. At the latest meeting of the district council's Executive, councillors have voted in favour of writing off £116,905.49 of debts, which included £94,354.74 from a firm in Highbridge. More...

Three hurt in M5 accident
TWO adults and a baby were injured when the car they were in overturned on the M5 near Burnham-On-Sea earlier today (Tuesday, November 23rd). Police said the accident happened just after 8am between junction 22 for Burnham-On-Sea and jucntion 21 for Weston. More...

Tin tabernacle duo to visit
A HUSBAND and wife musical duo who are embarking on a unique nationwide tour of corrugated iron churches, dubbed 'tin tabernacles', are to visit Burnham-On-Sea in January. Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou will be playing at Edithmead Church even thought it only seats 15 people! More...

CAB bids for £50k lotto cash
SEDGEMOOR Citizens Advice Bureau - which provides help to people in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge - is appealing for people to vote for it during ITV's Peoples Millions competition today (Tuesday, November 23rd) to help it secure £50,000 of lotto funding. More...

Wind farm fighting fund boost
DOZENS of protesters who are fighting proposals for a wind farm to be built near Burnham-On-Sea raised much-needed cash to fight the plans during a sponsored walk at the weekend. More than 30 residents took part in Sunday's walk, which raised £2,000 towards the costs of fighting the plans. More...

Man assaulted and robbed
Exclusive: A MAN was assaulted and robbed of his valuables during an early morning attack at a holiday park in Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend. Police were called to Burnham Holiday Village following the incident at 1.20am on Sunday (November 21st) in which a 40 year-old man was allegedly attacked. More...

Pedal power raises £200
STAFF at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll raised nearly £200 for Children in Need by holding a sponsored exercise bike cycling event. Thirteen members of staff rode 105 miles during the course of a day during their static cycle ride at the garden centre for the BBC charity night. More...

Council boss to meet PM
SEDGEMOOR District Council Leader Councillor Duncan McGinty will be meeting Prime Minister David Cameron in London this Wednesday (24th November) to call for money to be given to the region. Councillor McGinty will be discussing central government funding. More...

Historic Manor House on sale
Exclusive: AN historic building in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea has gone on sale this week. The Manor House in the town's Manor Gardens is being offered by agents Greenslade Taylor and Hunt at offers in excess of £285,000. Built in 1841, the house was the home of well known Burnham resident George Reed. More...

Burnham artwork on show
NINE well-known artists in Burnham-On-Sea will be opening up their studios to the general public during the final days of November for a special Christmas exhibition. The artists will all be displaying their work at four venues across Burnham-On-Sea next weekend. More...

Spring is in the air in town!
CHRISTMAS may be just around the corner, but Spring has been on the minds of two groups of Highbridge residents this week as they planted hundreds of bulbs were planted in public spaces. Green-fingered members of The Friends Of Apex Park were armed with trowels. More...

Arts festival given cash boost
VITAL funds were raised for Highbridge's Festival Of The Arts when a special fundraising concert was held on Friday (November 19th). Dozens of supporters attended the 'Back In Town' event, an evening of theatre, music and dance at Rossholme in East Brent for the good cause. More...

Rally to celebrate 15th year
ORGANISERS of the annual Brean Stages Rally are gearing up for their 15th annual event, which is set to roar into action during January 2011. The K&R Mitsubishi Stages Rally will be held during the weekend of Saturday January 22nd and Sunday 23rd and wi9ll open to the public. More...

Xmas post service launches
SCOUTS in the Burnham-On-Sea area are gearing up to provide their popular low-cost Christmas post delivery service. The 1st Huntspill and Highbridge Scout Group will be providing their festive delivery service throughout December for the cost of just 15p per card. More...

£1,400 raised for Kenyan kids
GENEROUS fundraisers in Burnham-On-Sea raised £1,400 for needy schoolchildren in Kenya during a Christmas fair held on Saturday (November 20th). Dozens of supporters flocked to the town's Methodist Church Hall in College Street to help raise money for the school in Kenya. More...

In photos: Secret World Ball
OVER 250 people attended an Arabian-themed fundraising event in aid of East Huntspill based wildlife rescue charity Secret World on Saturday night (November 20th). The charity's successful annual fundraising ball was held at Cadbury House Hotel near Congresbury. More...

Seal rescued on town beach
Exclusive: This stranded seal was rescued by wildlife carers after being washed up on Burnham-On-Sea beach on Friday evening (November 19th). The common seal, pictured here, was spotted in a disorientated state on the sands near Burnham Low Lighthouse by a beach walker. More...

Free maps given to school
GEOGRAPHY students at King Alfred School in Highbridge have been given free maps as part of the Ordnance Survey's annual free maps scheme for eleven-year-olds. Each of the Year 7 students has been given a map of the Weston and Burnham-on-Sea areas. More...

Two arrests after shop theft
Exclusive: Police have arrested two men in Burnham-On-Sea following a theft at a shop in the town. Two men were held by officers in Oxford Street at 6.45pm on Thursday (November 18th), as pictured here, following the theft of alcohol from a nearby off-licence. More...

100 at 'jazz and chips' event
JAZZ and chips were on the menu when over 100 people attended a unique fundraising event in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (November 19th). The Bob Reynolds New Society Jazz Band played at The Princess while the audience munched into fish and chips. More...

Kitchen blaze in Highbridge
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews were called to a kitchen blaze at a home in Highbridge on Friday evening (November 19th). Two Burnham fire engines were sent to a property on the corner of West Avenue and South Avenue at 5.35pm, as pictured here. More...

Town's Children In Need fun
Fundraisers across the Burnham-On-Sea area collected thousands of pounds for BBC Children In Need throughout Friday (November 19th). Pupils at King Alfred School held a sponsored silence while staff at Boots The Chemists and Greggs The Bakery on Burnham High Street collected hundreds of pounds by wearing fancy dress outfits. More...

MP urges library feedback
Exclusive: MP Tessa Munt has urged residents in Highbridge to make their views known about the threatened closure of the town's library as Somerset County Council begins a period of consultation about its future. Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report last month that the library in Market Street is being considered for closure. More...

Night time closure for A38
MOTORISTS who use a stretch of the A38 near Burnham-On-Sea have been warned to expect delays. The A38 Bristol Road between Brent Knoll and Burnham will be closed each night from Friday November 26th until Friday December 3rd to allow the essential roadworks to proceed. More...

Church renovation fundraiser
A CHRISTMAS-themed concert to raise money for a Burnham-On-Sea church's restoration fund will be held in December. St Andrew's Church Choir and Sunday School will perform 'A Night Of Miracles' at St Andrew's Church on Sunday December 12th. More...

Final recycling roll-out begins
THE final roll-out of a new waste recycling service is due to be completed across the Burnham-On-Sea area over the next few weeks. The final phase of homes being added to the Sort It Plus kerbside collections will commence next week and then the whole of Sedgemoor will be covered. More...

Tickets go on sale for concert
TICKETS have gone on sale for a fundraising Christmas concert in Burnham-On-Sea to be performed by local schoolchildren. Organisers from Burnham-On-Sea Lions are holding the second annual 'Singing For Children' concert on Friday 26th November at The Princess Theatre. More...

Queen to light up Burnham!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Carnival Queen and her Princesses will be joined by the town's Mayor and a well-known local radio presenter in switching on the town's Christmas lights on Saturday November 27th in Victoria Street after an afternoon of free festive entertainment. More...

Car park arrests after death
Exclusive: TWO men were arrested in this pub car park in East Brent, near Burnham-On-Sea, following the death of an elderly pedestrian in a hit-and-run car crash in Weston on Monday (November 15th). Officers swooped on the two 47 year-old men outside the Brent House Carvery in East Brent. More...

400 Brue Farm homes backed
A PERIOD of public consultation is to be held for residents in Highbridge to air their views on proposals to build 400 new homes in the town. Sedgemoor District Council's Executive voted on Wednesday (November 17th) in favour of a formal consultation to invite feedback. More...

New pylons could go sub-sea
NATIONAL Grid has this week confirmed that it is reconsidering burying its controversial new power lines under the Bristol Channel instead of running them across the Somerset countryside near Burnham-On-Sea from Hinkley Point power station to Avonmouth on the outskirts of Bristol. More...

What's on at The Ritz cinema
BURNHAM-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews one of the latest films currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. This week, she reviews the hilarious film Due Date. Read more of Molly's reviews of films showing in Burnham here on Burnham-On-Sea.com each week. More...

Anti-social behaviour falls
ANTI-social behaviour in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge has dropped by over a third during the past two years, police have announced this week. From 2008-2009 there was a recorded drop in anti-social behaviour calls of 8.29 per cent and a further drop of 31.88 per cent from 2009–2010. More...

Acclaimed singer at the Ritz
ACCLAIMED singer-songwriter Phil King will be performing a concert at Burnham-On-Sea's Ritz Acoustic Club this Thursday (November 18th). A huge favourite at the town's annual FolkFest, Phil has also played his 'folky, bluesy' songs at several festivals including Glastonbury. More...

Over 40 bidders line up for Pontin's
MORE than 40 potential bidders have already shown an interest in taking over crisis-hit Pontin's, including its holiday park in Brean. Reports in the financial media state that an Indian millionaire is among the dozens of 'serious players' who are considering bids for Pontin's, which Burnham-On-Sea.com reported last week has fallen into administration. More...

Rotary's Christmas gift appeal
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club have launched their annual Christmas toy appeal in Highbridge this week. The club is encouraging shoppers at the Asda supermarket in the town to donate Christmas gifts to under-privileged children of any age until December 13th. More...

Winning end to carnival season
Burnham-On-Sea's carnival float made one final appearance on Monday evening (November 15th) when it bowed out with a win on the final night of the carnival season in Weston-super-Mare. Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club's cart, called The Show, wended its way along Weston's streets and seafront, as pictured, in front of big crowds. More...

'No homes on wedge til 2026'
Exclusive: COUNCILLORS in Burnham-On-Sea have tried to reassure residents that a 'green wedge' of land on the outskirts of the town is not set to be turned into new homes any time soon. It comes despite several 'for sale' boards appearing in the fields this week. More...

Stolen car in Burnham crash
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have appealed for witnesses after the driver of this stolen car was involved in a town centre crash at the weekend. Police recovered the damaged stolen car in Steart Drive, which was initially seen at a collision in Victoria Street several minutes earlier. More...

Your views on 'wedge' sale
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea.com readers have given a big 'thumbs down' to the news that more than 60 acres of fields - described by the district council as a 'green wedge' - next to Burnham-On-Sea's Queens Drive has gone on sale this week. We give a feedback of the views. More...

Mia gets VIP Santa treatment
A VERY special schoolgirl from Mark received VIP treatment when she opened Santa’s grotto at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World on Saturday (November 13th). Mia Marshall, 7, was chosen to officially open the centre's annual festive grotto by cutting a ribbon with Santa. More...

Town's 'green wedge' goes on sale
Exclusive: MORE than 60 acres of fields next to Burnham-On-Sea's Queens Drive - described by the district council as a 'green wedge' - have gone on sale this week. 'For sale' boards have sprung up along the main road connecting Burnham-On-Sea's Love Lane with the Edithmead M5 roundabout, as pictured here. More...

Great Wall walk raises £3k
A TEENAGE fundraiser from Burnham-On-Sea has raised more than £3,000 for a local charity by walking 80km of The Great Wall of China. Kieran Bird, 18, has just returned home after completing his amazing trek along the world-renowned landmark in aid of St Margaret's Hospice. More...

Sand yachts run out of puff!
CALM weather led to the UK's National Sand Yachting Championships being cancelled on Brean Beach this weekend. The two-day event began on Saturday morning and although the light winds initially allowed two races to be completed during the early part of the day, as pictured. More...

In photos: Highbridge Remembrance Day
RESIDENTS in Highbridge marked Remembrance Day with a short parade, a service at St John's Church and a wreath-laying ceremony at the town's war memorial. Highbridge Mayor Michael Clarke, Mayores Maria Clarke and County Councillor John Woodman were among the dignataries. More...

In photos: Burnham Remembrance Day
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were among 200 dignitaries, representatives of local groups and residents who gathered at Burnham-On-Sea's war memorial on Sunday morning (November 14th) to mark Remembrance Day. The Burnham branch of The Royal British Legion organised the ceremony. More...

Residents air homes concerns
Exclusive: OVER 40 residents attended a 'crisis meeting' in Highbridge on Friday (November 12th) to hear more about Sedgemoor District Council's controversial plans to bring hundreds of new homes to the town over the next two decades. The meeting at Morland Community Hall was organised by Highbridge Residents Association. More...

Towns remember war dead
Remembrance services will be held in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge today (Sunday, November 14th) as residents pay tribute to the armed forces. The Burnham branch of The Royal British Legion is holding a Remembrance Day ceremony at the town's War Memorial in Love Lane at 11am. More...

Race night boosts good causes
THOUSANDS of pounds was raised towards the cost of Burnham-On-Sea's Christmas Lights and the new charity that is taking over the town's Tourist Information Centre during a fundraising night on Friday (November 12th). Dozens of supporters flocked to the race night at the Oak Tree Arena. More...

Burnham In Bloom Awards
Photo Special: DOZENS of Burnham-On-Sea residents were presented with awards when the town's annual Britain In Bloom ceremony was held on Friday evening (November 12th). Almost 100 residents and business owners crowded into the town council chambers. More...

Hillview wins first at Wells
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club had a successful night at Wells Carnival on Friday (November 12th) when it scooped first place. The club's cart, The Show, won the juvenile category at Wells, which was its first place of the carnival season so far. More...

Pontin's jobs are 'safe for now'
STAFF at Pontin's holiday park in Brean have been reassured their jobs are safe for now, despite the firm going into administration on Friday evening (November 12th). The chain of holiday camps announced it had called in administrators after suffering badly during the economic downturn. More...

Royal award for swim coach
A BURNHAM-On-Sea swimming coach has this week received a prestigious award on behalf of Somerset Amateur Swimming Association. Sarah Pusill, the group's Welfare Officer, was presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for the committee. More...

High winds cause disruption
GALE force winds caused disruption in the Burnham-On-Sea area during the early hours of this morning (Friday, November 12th). Berrow Road was partially blocked at midnight, as pictured here, after a large willow tree blew over at the junction with Naish Road. More...

Crews tackle landfill site blaze
FIREFIGHTERS from Burnham-On-Sea joined fire crews from across the area in tackling a fire at a waste landfill site on Thursday evening (November 11th). Crews were initially called to the Walpole Landfill site, near East Huntspill, on Thursday afternoon - but their work was hampered by strong winds. More...

New sports bursaries on offer
HIGHBRIDGE'S King Alfred School has introduced new sports bursaries for their outstanding 16 sportsmen and women. The annual bursary of £250 is being awarded to all sporty sixth form students who compete at county, national or international level, the school has announced. More...

Berrow pupils enjoy Diwali fun
CHILDREN at Berrow's Primary and Berrow Pre-School have been celebrating Diwali over the past week. The pupils took part in a week-long celebration of Diwali, which ended with a party. The children all made and decorated divas, which they then lit at the special party. More...

In photos: Burnham Armistice Day
Dozens of residents in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge took part in special ceremonies to mark Armistice Day on Thursday (November 11th). The ceremonies took place at Burnham High Street and Highbridge's Memorial Garden to honour all who have fallen since WWI. More...

Pair left distressed by chase
A FOUR year-old girl and her mother were left in a distressed state in Highbridge after being followed home by an angry stranger, police have said this week. Young Lexie Willetts was walking home with her mum Nichola after visiting a relative last Friday. More...

Hillview second at Shepton
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club had another good night at Shepton Mallet Carnival on Wednesday (November 10th). The club's float, The Show, won second place in the juvenile category - as it has done at Bridgwater, North Petherton and Burnham-On-Sea. More...

MP hits out at £43m cutbacks
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has joined protesters in calling for Somerset County Council to re-think its decision to make cuts to services totalling more than £43m. Tessa Munt attended a full meeting of the Council in Taunton on Wednesday morning (November 10th). More...

Recycling centre safe for now
HIGHBRIDGE recycling centre is not being considered for closure by cash-strapped Somerset County Council as part of its latest budget cuts, it has been announced this week. The Council has announced that four centres may close across the region, but Highbridge is safe - for now. More...

£1m boost for town economy
Exclusive: Burnham-On-Sea's tourist economy is set for a £1 million boost next year when two major golf tournaments are held in the town, we can reveal. Burnham and Berrow Golf Club is to host the Brabazon Trophy Championships in June and the National R&A Boys Championships in August. More...

Navy man sails into new home
NAVAL Officer Mark Podbury has a strong 'connection' with his brand new home in Highbridge. For Mark has just moved into a new property at Taylor Wimpey’s new development, built on the site of the old Portishead Radio Station, which he communicated with in the 1970s and 1980s. More...

Three car accident on A38
Exclusive: The A38 was partially blocked on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea this morning (Wednesday) following a three-car accident. Fire crews used cutting equipment to remove the roof of one vehicle to gain access to a casualty, who was taken to hospital after the collision at 8.20am. More...

Burnham carnival slide show
SOME of the best moments from this year's Burnham-On-Sea Carnival, held on Monday (November 8th), are captured in this exclusive slide show. Re-visit the highlight of Burnham and Highbridge's entertainment calendar, as seen through the lens of our photographer. More...

Dolphin washed up on beach
Exclusive: A WALKER on Brean beach found the body of this small dolphin washed up on the sand earlier this week. Burnham-On-Sea.com reader Laurie Caulton discovered the animal washed up on the sands near Brean Down 50 yards from the beach entry road. More...

Pedestrianisation in jeopardy?
Exclusive: THE future of the controversial project to partially pedestrianise Burnham's High Street could be in doubt following a 'thumbs down' from a group of traders and a lukewarm reception from the public. Over 130 people visited a three-day exhibition held in the town last week. More...

£9,400 collected at town carnival
A total of £9,400 was collected for local charities during Monday night's Highbridge and Burnham Carnival - down slightly on last year. Andrew Bryant from Burnham Lions Club, who was among the collectors at the successful event, told Burnham-On-Sea.com the figure was down £500 on last year. More...

Re-visit historical Burnham
SCENES like these on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront in 1915 will be on display at a special history talk being held in the town on Wednesday night (November 10th). North Sedgemoor Local History Group's latest gathering will be held at King Alfred School's lecture theatre. More...

Reviewed: Latest Ritz films
BURNHAM-On-Sea film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews two of the films currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. This week, she reviews Vampires Suck and Legend of the Guardian. Read more of Molly's regular reviews here on Burnham-On-Sea.com each week. More...

Brave Mia to open grotto
A BRAVE youngster from Mark has won a competition to officially open Santa’s Grotto at a garden centre in Brent Knoll later this week. Mia Marshall, 7, has been chosen to open Sanders Garden World's grotto this Saturday morning (November 13th) at the centre. More...

Police praise carnival goers
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have praised carnival goers for their good behaviour at Monday's event. Just one person was arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour after jumping onto a cart in Love Lane during one of the quietest carnivals ever for police officers in the town. More...

Hillview gets double boost
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club had a double dose of good news on Monday (November 8th) after winning second place at their home town's carnival and learning their placing at Bridgwater Carnival had changed from third to second - providing them with a double boost. More...

Carnival dazzles in Burnham
A huge crowd of over 20,000 people lined the streets of Burnham-On-Sea tonight (Monday, November 8th) as dozens of illuminated carnival floats rolled through town. Over 90 carts and entertainers wowed the spectators with a cavalcade of colour and excitement. More...

Fire crews tackle M5 car blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea's fire crews were called out to tackle a car blaze on the M5 motorway on Monday evening (November 8th). The Fire Service received multiple calls from passing motorists reporting the vehicle was alight on northbound carriageway at just after 9pm. More...

Three arrests after vandalism
Exclusive: THREE people have been arrested by police after vandals ran amok following Burnham-On-Sea's fireworks on Sunday night (November 7th). A group of youths smashed wooden tables and chairs, then used them to break shop windows in the town centre. More...

Mayor welcomes Dutch band
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress have given an official welcome to a Dutch Carnival Band visiting the town this week. Mayor Michael Clarke Mayoress Maria Clarke greeted the visitors from the Dutch town of Zaltbommel who regularly visit during Carnival. More...

It's showtime! Carnival day arrives
CARNIVAL goers in Burnham-On-Sea are being advised to wrap up warm and bring waterproofs to tonight's parade. Excitement is building ahead of the 63rd annual Highbridge and Burnham Carnival, which will feature more than 90 colourful entries. Forecasters predict there is a strong chance of showers. More...

Beauty and the Beast in town
FINAL rehearsals are underway at Burnham-On-Sea's Excellent Entertainment Society as it prepares for its annual autumn show. This year's performance is Disney’s musical Beauty and the Beast, which opens in the Princess Theatre on Saturday 20th November. More...

Spectacular fireworks impress
Thousands of spectators lined Burnham's seafront on Sunday (November 7th) to watch the town's spectacular fireworks display. The dazzling 20-minute programme of fireworks was launched from a temporary scaffolding platform on the beach jetty, with the lights reflected on the sea water. More...

Crosses laid at war memorial
Photo Special: CROSSES were laid next to Burnham-On-Sea's war memorial on Sunday during a short ceremony to dedicate the ground where next week's Remembrance Day parade will be held. Burnham's Mayor and Mayoress were joined by British Legion members for the ceremony. More...

Police seize vehicle in town
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police seized a vehicle in Marine Drive on Saturday evening (November 6th). Officers pulled over the van near Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station at 7.20pm for having no insurance before towing it away. The male driver is likely to be fined. More...

Carnival excitement grows
EXCITEMENT is building ahead of Monday's 63rd annual Burnham-On-Sea Carnival, which will feature more than 90 colourful entries. Dozens of the carnival carts began arriving in Burnham's Love Lane late on Saturday night after completing the North Petherton Carnival. More...

Hillview wins second place
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club won second place at North Petherton Carnival on Saturday (November 6th), bouncing back from their disappointment on the night before. The club's theatrical-themed cart, called The Show, impressed the judges with their enthusiasm. More...

Big crowds expected at fireworks
BIG crowds of spectators are expected to line Burnham's seafront tonight (Sunday, November 7th) to watch the town's annual fireworks display. Hundreds of spectacular fireworks will be fired from a temporary scaffolding platform which has been built on the town's jetty and will be surrounded by sea water. More...

U3A gives centre cash boost
THE project to refurbish Burnham-On-Sea's Community Centre was given a further financial boost on Saturday morning (November 6th). Members of Burnham's University of The Third Age Concert Party handed over £500 to the centre's Chairman, Ken Hindle. More...

Swim club names captains
BURNHAM-On-Sea Swimming Club has this week appointed its new club captains for the new season. The club, based at Burnham's Swim and Sports Academy in Berrow Road, has named Alice Wright and Edward Lupton as its new Captains for the new 2010-2011 season. More...

Road safety charity praises MP
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has been named 'parliamentarian of the month' by a national charity for her work in campaigning for improved road safety. Brake, an independent road safety charity, has recognised Tessa Munt's work in campaigning for local road safety campaign. More...

Fireworks platform in place
WORK is underway today (Saturday) on constructing the scaffolding structure from which Burnham-On-Sea's seafront fireworks display will be fired into the sky on Sunday (November 7th). Hundreds of dazzling fireworks will be fired from the temporary platform. More...

New bistro opens in Burnham
A BRAND new bistro bar and restaurant was officially opened in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (November 5th). A special launch ceremony was held at TA8s in Pier Street as it opened its doors for the first time following a £6,000 revamp. A party of over 40 people attended the opening. More...

Drama hits town carnival club
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club suffered a 'nightmare start' to their carnival season at the rain-soaked Bridgwater Carnival on Friday night (November 5th). The club's theatrical-themed cart, called The Show, suffered a puncture at the beginning of the parade, holding up the whole procession. More...

Telegraph pole crashes down
POLICE and fire crews were called to East Brent this afternoon (Friday, November 5th) after a car knocked down a telegraph pole in an accident. One fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to Rooksbridge Road in East Brent at 2.57pm to investigate following the one car accident. More...

Holiday park staff in the pink
STAFF at Burnham-On-Sea's Home Farm holiday park were feeling 'in the pink' today (Friday, November 5th) when they held a special fundraising event. Ten staff wore pink clothing throughout the day and held several fundraising activities for a cancer charity. More...

Objectors lodge 'green' concerns
Exclusive: Over a dozen letters of objection have been sent to Somerset County Council opposing the controversial proposals to convert Burnham-On-Sea's seafront lawns into an official Village Green. The deadline for feedback ended this week following a period of public consultation. More...

Wind farm bird death shown
Exclusive: VIDEO of a bird being killed by the moving blades of a wind turbine was shown to an audience of 100 people at a wind farm protest near Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday evening (November 4th). Campaigners were keen to illustrate the threat to wildlife in the area. More...

CCTV appeal for railway youths
BRITISH Transport Police officers investigating a railway trespassing offence in Highbridge have this week appealed for the public's help in tracing two youths who are believed to have information to assist their investigation. Two youths were caught by police on CCTV. More...

Bonfire night tips for Beavers
BURNHAM-On-Sea Beavers were given tips and advice about staying safe on bonfire night during a special safety evening by the town's police on Thursday (November 4th). PCSOs Sarah England and Claire Finch visited Burnham-On-Sea Beavers HQ at the BASC Ground. More...

Fundraisers haul in the funds
A HIGHBRIDGE resident was among a group of eight musclemen who hauled a huge truck half a mile to raise cash for charity earlier this week. Local resident Andy Bertenshaw took part in the successful fundraiser in which a Somerlap lorry was pulled by the team of eight men. More...

Police appeal after pub burglary
Burnham-On-Sea police have issued an appeal for witnesses after burglars stole cash from a pub in the town during the early hours of this morning (Thursday November 4th). The thieves gained access to The Lighthouse pub in Highbridge Road some time between midnight and 4.45am, taking money. More...

New jewellery shop opened
A NEW jewellery shop has opened its doors for the first time on Burnham's seafront. Called Bling, it has opened next to the town's Sunspot Amusements on Burnham's Esplanade and is being run by entrepreneurial Highbridge couple Phil and Gaynor Burke who have just srarted the business. More...

New kids party firm launches
CREATIVE children from across the Burnham-On-Sea area took part in several arts and crafts sessions to mark the launch of a new nature-themed party venture this week. Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll was the venue for the drop-in arts and crafts day. More...

Fireworks to wow the crowds
ORGANISERS of Burnham-On-Sea's seafront fireworks display, which is being held this Sunday (November 7th), say spectators are in for a treat. The 20 minute display, which starts at 7pm, will include several brand new fireworks never seen before in Burnham-On-Sea. More...

Traders oppose pedestrianisation
Exclusive: Shop owners in Burnham-On-Sea have this week given a thumbs-down to controversial proposals to pedestrianise part of the town's High Street. The plans to pedestrianise the High Street between Adam Street and Cross Street were attacked by businesses at Wednesday night's Chamber of Trade meeting. More...

Residents fight 13 new homes
Exclusive: RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea have this week voiced their concerns about plans by a property developer to extend a housing development with an extra 13 new homes. Persimmon wants to expand its Berrow Court site in Berrow Road, but nearby reisdents are unhappy. More...

Carnival clean-up costs £5k
REMOVING litter strewn across the streets after Burnham-On-Sea's annual carnival costs the district council almost £5,000, it revealed this week. Scenes like these in Burnham-On-Sea High Street leave Sedgemoor tax payers with a hefty £4,800 clean-up bill each year. More...

Police appeal for pod helpers
POLICE in Highbridge have this week appealed for more volunteers to come forward to help run the town's popular information pod. Since opening in April last year, the pod in the car park of the town's Asda supermarket has dealt with more than 1,000 enquiries and reports. More...

Tourist centre deal to be signed
Exclusive: A newly formed charity which has been set up to take over the running of Burnham-On-Sea's closure-threatened Tourist Information Centre is set to sign a deal to take over over the building on November 11th, we can reveal. Sedgemoor District Council has sent BIARS an official letter of agreement. More...

Huw completes Peruvian trek
FUNDRAISING walker Huw Grove is feeling on top of the world after raising nearly £3,000 for Highbridge-based charity by walking Peru’s Inca Trail. Huw has just returned from his trek to the long-hidden ancient city of Machu Picchu, to raise money for Highbridge-based NBCS. More...

£43m council cuts edge closer
PROPOSED cuts to services totalling more than £43m will go to Somerset county councillors for a formal vote later this month following a cabinet meeting held on Monday (November 1st). More than 200 members of the public attended to hear the stormy cabinet debate. More...

County cricketer is VIP guest
MEMBERS of Huntspill and District Cricket Club held their annual presentation evening this week - and welcomed a star county player as their VIP guest. Somerset Cricket Club batsman Jos Buttler handed out the trophies during the annual ceremony at the Orchard Inn. More...

£5k boost for community hall
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea Community Centre has this week been handed a £5,000 boost from the town council. It comes after Ken Hindle of the Burnham and Highbridge Community Association, which runs the centre, appealed to the council for cash to continue its regeneration project. More...

Bid to rescue town library
Exclusive: TOWN councillors have this week called for the opening hours of closure-threatened Highbridge Library to be increased in a bid to boost usage and rescue it from potential closure. The library in Market Street is being considered for closure by the County Council. More...

£6,000 raised at Rotary shop
A HUGE £6,000 has been raised for local charities and good causes from the sale of books at a temporary shop in Burnham-On-Sea. Burnham Rotary Club's temporary book shop opened in College Street during early August and has been so successful it's still running. More...

Burnham risks 'stagnation'
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea is at risk of "stagnating" unless hundreds of new homes are built on 'green field sites' during the town over the next two decades, a senior town councillor has warned this week. Cllr Neville Jones said Burnham risks missing out on hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding. More...

Spooky bikers boost BARB
MORE than a dozen bikers dressed in Halloween costumes roared across Somerset to raise funds for Burnham's rescue hovercraft charity BARB at the weekend. The event, organised by Somerset Motorcycle Group, saw 15 motorcylists ride between Highbridge and Minehead. More...

Quiet Halloween for police
POLICE say the Halloween weekend passed relatively peacefully in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge, with only a few incidents reported by residents. Three were just three anti-social behaviour calls in Burnham, which included criminal damage being caused to a car in St Mark's Road. More...

Mayor leads 'get well' wishes
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has led the best wishes being paid to a fellow town councillor who suffered a sudden heart attack. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported on Monday how Cllr Eric Gill had suffered a mild heart attack and been rushed to Weston Hospital by ambulance. More...

Carnival excitement builds
EXCITEMENT is growing at Burnham-On-Sea's carnival club this week as the youngsters who will performing on the town's cart have been holding their final dress rehearsals. Hillview Carnival Club's young members have been proudly showing off their costumes. More...

Councillor suffers heart attack
A POPULAR Burnham-On-Sea town and district councillor is recovering in hospital after suffering a heart attack. Cllr Eric Gill suffered the attack on Friday and was rushed to Weston Hospital where he is making good progress. His condition is closely being monitored by specialists. More...

Wind farm meeting announced
CAMPAIGNERS who are fighting controversial plans for a new wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea are to hold a public meeting this week. The West Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group will be holding an open meeting at Puriton Village Hall this coming Thursday at 7.30pm. More...

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