Burnham-On-Sea News - October 2007

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Two injured in Brent Knoll fire
TWO people were treated for smoke inhalation following a serious blaze at a property in Brent Knoll on Wednesday evening (October 31st). Fire crews from Burnham, Weston, Bridgwater and Street rushed to Station Road in Brent Knoll after flames ripped through the ground floor of the property. More...

New man at the top for RNLI
IT'S all change at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station this week after a new Lifeboat Operations Manager took over the top job. Ricky Holmes was formally handed the keys to the station in a ceremony in front of crew members on Wednesday evening (October 31st). More...

Locals to open new Asda store
THE names of the two local people who will open Asda's brand new store in Highbridge next Monday, November 5th, has been announced this week. Eva Winslade, from Burnham-On-Sea, and Val Breach of Highbridge both nominated each other and will be opening the store. More...

Blow for town Christmas lights
Exclusive: DISAPPOINTED organisers of this year's Burnham-On-Sea Christmas lights have this week been told that their bid for grant cash to fund the colourful display has been partially turned down. The Chamber of Trade had wanted £2,500 of funding to help with the costs. More...

Job losses at Highbridge firm
Exclusive: ONE of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's biggest employers is to lay off more than a dozen staff, learns Burnham-On-Sea.com. Furniture maker Woodberry Brothers and Haines is this week laying off 14 staff and dropping its kitchen furniture range. More...

Tourist centre is best in UK!
DELIGHTED staff at Burnham-On-Sea's Tourist Information Centre were celebrating on Tuesday (October 30th) after it was announced that they have been named the best centre in the UK for customer service. The centre was the winner at the South West Tourism Awards. More...

Halloween safety tips for kids
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea have been working with children in the town to ensure they don't have any frights this Halloween. PC Tracey Stiles and PCSO Pauline Dixon visited Burnham Library in Princess Street to speak to youngsters during their half-term break. More...

Police appeal after 16 incidents
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea have this week appealed for witnesses and information after vandals were responsible for a series of incidents of criminal damage in the north of the town. Overnight on October 24th and into the following morning, several offenders were responsible for at least 16 incidents of criminal damage. More...

Group warns over barrage plan
PLANS for a Severn Barrage "should be motivated not by profit, but by environmental and social considerations," a Burnham-On-Sea environmental group has warned this week. Burnham's 'Families for Clean Energy' (FORCE) issued a statement on the barrage. More...

Town's Poppy Appeal launched
BURNHAM-On-Sea's branch of the Royal British Legion launched its annual Poppy Appeal on Monday (October 29th). The group's members were joined by Burnham and Highbridge's Mayor, Pauline Pollard, at their Victoria Street premises in the town to launch the appeal. More...

Anger over graffiti vandalism
Exclusive: Graffiti vandals have attacked Manor Gardens in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea, painting messages across walls, benches and even tree trunks. Angry local residents contacted Burnham-On-Sea.com this week about the "outrage" after spotting the half-term vandalism in Manor Gardens. More...

Two dead in Axbridge explosion
Updated: BURNHAM-On-Sea's emergency services were called to help deal with a major incident in Axbridge on Saturday (October 27th) in which two people were killed. Burnham-On-Sea police and paramedics were among the emergency services called to St Mary Street. More...

Flood Watch alert for Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea and the Bristol Channel was put on a Flood Watch by the Environment Agency on Sunday morning (October 28th) when one of the highest tides of the year swept in. Waves battered the town's seafront as the 11.5 metre high tide coincided with winds. More...

Dogathon is howling success!
PAMPERED pooches and their owners flocked to Burnham-On-Sea's Manor Gardens on Sunday (October 28th) for a sponsored dog walk and fun day, held in aid of two local charities. Although the weather was poor, the spirits of those who took part was not dampened. More...

Fireworks light up Brean skies
A COLOURFUL display of fireworks lit up the skies above Brean on Saturday evening (October 27th) when the resort's annual fireworks display took place. A large crowd of spectators crowded into Brean Leisure Park to watch the impressive seven-minute display. More...

New look for Highbridge memorial
THOUSANDS of pounds of work to restore Highbridge's war memorial to its former glory has been completed this week. We reported in February how paving slabs around the Church Street landmark had split and the base of the monument itself was cracked. More...

Fountain hit by pranksters
A FOUNTAIN in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea was targeted by pranksters during the early hours of Saturday morning (October 27th). Detergent was poured into the display at the junction of Pier Street and Abingdon Street, resulting in foam being created. More...

First shots fired in town 'store wars'
THE first shots have been fired in a new round of Burnham-On-Sea 'store wars' as the countdown to the opening of Highbridge's new multi-million pound Asda supermarket begins. Asda is due to open its huge 40,000 sq ft store on Monday November 5th, but rival stores have launched high-profile promotional offers. More...

Delays after Love Lane crash
PARAMEDICS and police rushed to a Burnham-On-Sea roundabout on Friday evening (October 26th) following an accident involving a car and a motorcyclist. The incident occurred during the busy rush hour at 6pm at the junction of Ben Travers Way and Love Lane, besides the Tesco roundabout. More...

Fresh calls for Hinkley closure
ANTI-nuclear campaigners claimed on Friday (October 26th) that a top nuclear consultant had called for the immediate closure of Hinkley Point power station, near Burnham-On-Sea. It comes after a regulator's report stated that the reactor core support system is 'unsafe'. More...

Property prices 'start to slow'
NEW figures released this week show the property boom has led to a huge surge in house prices of up to 115 per cent in Burnham-On-Sea during the last seven years. Official statistics from The Land Registry show the cost of properties has consistently increased during the last seven years. More...

Open verdict on man's death
AN inquest into the death of a Burnham-On-Sea man whose body was found at his home in the town has ended with an open verdict this week. Coroner Michael Rose told a hearing in Bridgwater he was unable to ascertain the medical cause for Steven Cox's death. More...

Halloween tricksters targeted
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have launched their annual operation to ensure residents enjoy a happy and safe Halloween. As part of Operation Relentless they will be cracking down on youngsters who use the night as an excuse to be anti-social. Extra patrols will be out next Wednesday (October 31st). More...

Mark starts third leg of race
BURNHAM-On-Sea yacht skipper Mark Preedy has this week set sail from Brazil on the third leg of the prestigious ten-month Round The World Yacht Race. Mark, 35, was chosen earlier this year to skipper Uniquely Singapore, one of the ten yachts in the 35,000-mile race. More...

French musicians to visit town
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Twinning Association are making final preparations this week for a visit by musicians from our twinned French town. A 35-strong group of musicians from Louvigne du Desert in Brittany will bring their band to Burnham. More...

Small town fire extinguished
BURNHAM-On-Sea firefighters were called to Highbridge on Wednesday night (October 24th) after reports of a rubbish blaze. One fire appliance was called to a strip of land near the skate park near Apex Wildlife Park where a quantity of rubbish had been set alight. More...

Staff sickness hits swimming pool
BURNHAM-On-Sea's swimming pool is back to normal service after an outbreak of sickness among its lifeguards resulted in the facility being partially closed this week. Some swimmers were turned away from the pool in Berrow Road (pictured) on Tuesday and Wednesday due to a lack of lifeguards. More...

Power upgrade for Highbridge
OVER 200 homes in Highbridge were powered from this temporary electricity generator while major work on the town's mains supply was carried out on Wednesday (October 24th). Western Power Distribution switched off the mains supply to hundreds of homes. More...

Mother and son rescued at Brean
A MOTHER and son stranded on rocks at Brean Down were rescued by a lifeboat crew from Burnham-On-Sea on Tuesday evening, October 23rd. The 'Staines Whitfield' RNLI lifeboat was launched at 4.47pm after the pair got into difficulty while attempting to walk around the base of the Down. More...

BBC2 TV star set to visit Burnham
THE presenter of BBC2's Flog It TV programme will be paying a visit to Sanders Garden World, near Burnham-On-Sea, at the beginning of November. Paul Martin will be at the store on Saturday November 10th from 10.30am until 1pm to sign copies of his new book. More...

Busy agenda for tourism AGM
THE impact of the proposed Severn Barrage on local tourism will one of the hot topics on the agenda at the Annual General Meeting of the Sedgemoor Tourism Association next week. The meeting will take place on Tuesday October 30th at Brean Leisure Park. More...

War vet protesters march on County Hall
SUPPORTERS of Burnham-On-Sea World War Two veteran Norman Binnall gathered outside Somerset County Council's headquarters on Monday afternoon (October 22nd) as they stepped up their campaign for better social care for war veterans. These were the scenes outside County Hall in Taunton. More...

Anglers reel in record catches
THE busy start to Burnham-On-Sea's winter fishing season continued this week with another record-breaking catch. Young Chris Georgiou reeled in an 11lb 9oz Bull Huss during the second competition of the season for members of Burnham Boat Owners Association. More...

Technology clinics start in town
BURNHAM-On-Sea's BAY Centre is launching a new technology clinic in which local people will be able to broaden their computer experience. The weekly sessions - costing £2 per time - will be held every Friday at the centre's training area between 11am and 1pm. More...

MP appeal to flood risk residents
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP David Heathcoat-Amory is urging residents who have been turned down by insurance companies that are unwilling to cover them against flood risk to contact him. The MP is compiling evidence to submit to The House of Commons Select Committee on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. More...

Survey boosts Cove lotto bid
Exclusive: A £250,000 bid for lottery funding to transform Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens has edged a step closer this week after hundreds of people supported the regeneration of the seafront gardens in a council survey. 2,000 residents in Burnham were sent questionnaires to gather views. More...

Chris Jagger entertains fans
Photo special: BIG crowds of music fans flocked to Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday night (October 20th) when Chris Jagger, the brother of Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger, performed. Chris (pictured) played at Burnham's Ritz Social Club with an all-star band. More...

Trapped beach van pulled free
BURNHAM-On-Sea's sinking sand and mud caught out another motorist on Sunday evening (October 21st) when a vehicle became trapped and had to be pulled free, as pictured here. Mark Fitzpatrick from Tipton in the West Midlands became stranded near the jetty. More...

Three injured in A38 crash
THREE people were traped in their vehicle following a serious accident near Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday morning (October 21st). Police, paramedics and fire crews from Burnham and Weston rushed to the A38 at Rooksbridge shortly after 1am after the crash. More...

Stolen car destroyed in fire
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea tackled a car blaze at Brean in the early hours of Sunday morning (October 21st). They were called out at 4.48am to South Road after residents in the area reported a car well alight. The stolen vehicle was completely destroyed. More...

Police probe pier 'explosions'
BURNHAM-On-Sea pier was at the centre of a police investigation on Saturday afternoon (October 20th) after several "loud explosions" earlier in the day. Graffiti vandals set fire to three paint cannisters, causing them to explode next to the concrete pillars of the seafront structure. More...

Anger as Queen Square is sold
Exclusive: Furious town councillors in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge have hit out at Sedgemoor District Council after it emerged that the council had over-ruled local opinion by "selling off" two areas of public space to developers. Sedgemoor's Executive Committee has approved the sale of land at Queen Square and Dunbar Close to Raglan Housing Association. More...

MP backs boxing club's fight
Exclusive: MEMBERS of Highbridge's King Alfred Amateur Boxing Club have taken their fight for new club premises to the town's MP. David Heathcoat-Amory met the club's coach, Roger Cross, at Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Hall on Friday evening (October 20th). More...

Woman assaulted in Highbridge
BURNHAM-On-Sea police issued an appeal for witnesses on Friday (October 19th) following an assault and attempted robbery on a woman in Highbridge. At around 7.30pm on October 4th the 21-year-old victim was walking her dog on a footpath alongside Newtown Lake. More...

Oftsed praises 'outstanding' school
BURNHAM-On-Sea's St Andrew's School has been praised as 'outstanding' in a new report published this week by Ofsted government inspectors. They scored its overall effectiveness, achievement, personal development, quality of provision, and leadership as "outstanding" - delighting staff. More...

Local health care services are 'fair'
HEALTH care facilities in the Burnham-On-Sea area have been rated as 'fair' in a set of new government performance ratings published this week. The findings were outlined in the annual health check published by the independent health service inspector. More...

Cyclist injured in town collision
AN ELDERLY cyclist was injured in a collision with a car in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday morning (October 17th). Police officers and an ambulance crew were called to Marine Drive (pictured) shortly after 11am after a 75-year-old man was struck by a Vauxhall Vectra. More...

O2 fights decision over phone mast
Exclusive: MOBILE phone giant O2 is pressing ahead with its plans to build a controversial mobile phone mast in the centre of Brean despite the scheme being rejected by planners earlier this year. The company's application to construct a 12.5 metre tall phone mast besides South Road. More...

Xmas lights role for BBC man
BBC Points West's Somerset reporter Clinton Rogers has been named as the VIP who will officially switch on Burnham-On-Sea's Christmas lights next month. The town's Chamber of Trade announced its plans for the big switch-on at a meeting on Wednesday (October 17th). More...

Wine festival lined up for town
LOVERS of fine wines will have the chance to sample some of the best from around the world when Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club holds its annual international wine festival next month. Burnham Rotary Club is hoping to attract wine connoisseurs from around the district. More...

Two accidents in just 12 hours
WORRIED Councillors and residents are calling for the introduction of safety improvements along a notorious road near Burnham-On-Sea after two accidents in less than 12 hours. Two vehicles careered off Harp Road and ended up in roadside ditches on Tuesday (October 16th). More...

Power cut hits town centre
DOZENS of Burnham-On-Sea homes were blacked out overnight into Wednesday (October 17th) during a power cut. Western Power Distribution confirmed that up to 60 homes in the centre of town were cut off for almost three hours due to the fault, caused by the weather. More...

Fireworks displays announced
THOUSANDS of fireworks will light up the skies around Burnham-On-Sea and Brean when two huge fireworks displays are held. Burnham-On-Sea's annual seafront fireworks display will be held at 7pm on Sunday November 11th, the night before the town's carnival. More...

Lights to stay in place over winter
DECORATIVE lights along Burnham's seafront will stay in place over the winter months despite the threat of damage from winter storms. Town councillors considered a proposal on Monday evening (October 15th) to take down the lights between January and Easter to protect them from strong winds. More...

Council blamed by bloom judges
BURNHAM-On-Sea's bid for glory in the Britain In Bloom competition was "badly let down by the district council," according to official comments from the judges released on Thursday (October 18th). We reported last month how the town had come bottom of its class. More...

Long delays after M5 accident
TWO fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea rushed to the northbound carriageway of the M5 motorway near the town on Tuesday (October 16th) after a two car collision. The fire crews were called out at 7.30am following the accident, at Edithmead, near junction 22. More...

Study praises seaside heritage
THREE out of four people love the British seaside because of historic buildings, according to a new nationwide survey which could have an impact on plans for regeneration in Burnham-On-Sea. The poll, by English Heritage, shows historic exteriors appeal to modern visitors. More...

High-tech crossing for seafront
CONSTRUCTION work began on Monday (October 15th) to introduce a smarter, 'greener' seafront pedestrian crossing on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront. Somerset County Council's Highways Department is converting the 'pelican' crossing into a 'puffin' crossing on the South Esplanade. More...

£4,500 boost for hovercrafts
A BUSY summer of fundraising activities at a Brean caravan park has raised more than £4,500 for Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercraft charity. Dozens of holidaymakers at Diamond Farm took part in a series of events, ranging from fancy dress competitions to auctions. More...

Vandals smash shop window
VANDALS caused damage to a shopfront in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday evening (October 13th) when they smashed a window. The Tanning Studio on the High Street was attacked some time between 6pm on Saturday and breakfast time on Sunday. More...

Police in CCTV bid after burglary
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea have released a series of CCTV still images in their bid to solve a burglary at an motorway service station near the town earlier this month. Police want help in identifying two men who they think may be able to help with their enquiries into a commercial burglary which occurred at Sedgemoor Services at 12.35am on Monday October 1st. More...

Record-breaking catch for angler
THE winter fishing season in Burnham-On-Sea has got off to a record-breaking start this week when this huge Bull Huss was reeled in. Andy Georgiou caught the 11lb 2oz fish during the first event of the season for members of Burnham Boat Owners Sea Angling Association. More...

Clean-up begins after graffiti attack
A CLEAN-up operation is due to get underway in Burnham-On-Sea this week after vandals daubed paint over the town's sea wall. Graffiti has once again been left along several sections of the wall besides the town's main beach, as pictured here. Council cleaners are due to clean off the paint this week. More...

Bloom award winners unveiled
OVER 150 Burnham-On-Sea residents crowded into the town council's chambers on Friday evening (October 12th) to hear who had won the annual Burnham In Bloom awards. Scores of certificates and trophies were handed out to residents, businesses and children. Results... | Photos

Close shave for charity couple!
A SPONSORED head shave in Burnham-On-Sea raised hundreds of pounds for charity on Friday evening (October 12th). Bill Budd and wife Sue held the event to raise money for a medical charity which looked after their son, Shaun, when he was injured while on duty in Iraq. More...

Crime figures fall in Burnham
Exclusive: A wet summer and increased numbers of police on Burnham-On-Sea's streets has helped to reduce levels of crime in the town during the summer months, according to new figures out this week. The statistics show the number of offences committed in Burnham are down over the last four months. More...

New business reels in anglers
ANGLING enthusiasts in Burnham and Highbridge have a new source for rods and reels after a new business opened its doors on Saturday (October 13th). The new shop - called The Fishing Tackle Man - opened at Unit 29 on the Morland Industrial Park. More...

False alarm for town fire crew
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews rushed to a Brean holiday park on Friday morning (October 12th) amid concern that a blaze may have broken out. The crews were called to Pontins in the centre of the resort, as pictured, at 9.15am after a fire alarm was set off. More...

History comes alive in sound
A HIGHBRIDGE woman's memories of wartime rationing and life in Burnham's Home Guard is recounted in sound on a new Somerset website. The voice of Phyllis Wyatt - whose first job was as an office junior at the bacon factory in Highbridge - is among 500 recordings. More...

Burnham MP's blog updated
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, gives his views on the election-that-never-was and his concerns about the threat of local flooding. Read the town MP's regularly-updated thoughts in his own blog, exclusively on Burnham-On-Sea.com. More...

Chitty Chitty returns to area
ONE of the nation’s favourite four-wheeled film stars is set to return to Brent Knoll, near Burnham-On-Sea, this December. The original, road-going Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, which featured in the 1968 film has been invited to Sandars Garden World on December 1st. More...

Ofsted issues report on school
THE overall standard of Highbridge's King Alfred School has been rated as 'satisfactory' in a new report published this week by government inspectors from Ofsted. The full report, which was published on Wednesday (Oct 10th), comes after an inspection last month. More...

Rock 'n' roll returns to Knoll
A POPULAR local rock 'n' roll group will return to Brent Knoll Parish Hall later this month when they perform a concert in the village. Back by popular demand after a well-supported event last year, Rockin' Replay will perform on Saturday 27th October, and tickets are now on sale. More...

Town beach in pollution scare
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's beach was at the centre of a pollution scare earlier this week when an oil-like substance was washed up along the shoreline. The Environment Agency was called to investigate after the material was spotted along the high tide line between the North Esplanade and the town's Low Lighthouse. More...

Busy agenda for trade meeting
BURNHAM-On-Sea's carnival, tourism and future development will be several of the topics being discussed at next week's general meeting of the town's Chamber of Trade and Commerce. All businesses in the town are invited to the meeting on Wednesday October 17th. More...

Council leader reacts to news
THE leader of Burnham-On-Sea Town Council has welcomed the news that the town's Frank Foley Parkway could finally be completed after district councillors this week gave the go-ahead for 190 new homes. Cllr Peter Clayton spoke out after Tuesday's decision. More...

190 homes and Foley works get go-ahead
CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build 190 new homes on the site of a former radio station in Burnham-On-Sea were given the green light on Tuesday (October 9th) by district planners - and the decision means there is now fresh hope that the town's Frank Foley Parkway (pictured) could at last be completed. More...

Makeover for town hair studio
A BURNHAM-On-Sea hairdresser has re-launched this week as a fitness and beauty studio following the completion of a major expansion of its premises. Staff at N-Hance Studio in the High Street were celebrating at a special re-opening, where guests got to have a close look at the new facilities. More...

RNLI in Coastguard exercise
RNLI crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Minehead took part in a joint exercise with Coastguards near Watchet last week when the lifeboats were tasked with finding floating dummies. It was a successful event for both sets of life-saving crews, who are volunteers. More...

Decision day for 190 homes
CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build 190 new homes on the site of a former radio station in Burnham-On-Sea could be decided today (Tuesday October 9th) when district planners debate the scheme. The developer of the former British Telecom Radio Station site in Worston Road will hear whether it gets a green light. More...

'Go green for profit', firms told
TOURISM bosses from across Somerset will gather in Brean next week to hear how they can tackle climate change without affecting their profitability. The 'Going Green for Profit' event will be held next Tuesday (Oct 16th) at Brean's Beachcomber Inn. More...

Yachts hoisted out of river
MORE than 20 yachts and fishing boats were winched into the sky above the River Brue in Burnham-On-Sea on Monday evening (October 8th) as the annual winter 'crane-out' took place. Organisers from Burnham Yacht Club took advantage of the calm, high tide. More...

120 children help Apex bloom
OVER 120 children from Burnham-On-Sea helped members of the town's Friends of Apex Park Improvements Group plant thousands of seeds at the park this week in a bid to rejuvenate the existing wildflower meadow. 120 children from St John's and Beechfield helped. More...

First look at town's £12,000 float
THE final finishing touches are being made to a £12,000 monster-sized carnival float which has been built in Burnham-On-Sea. With just a few weeks to go until the Burnham Carnival on Monday November 12th, members of Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club are busily screwing in thousands of light bulbs. More...

Manor Gardens host dog show
BURNHAM-On-Sea Lions Club is to hold a sponsored dog walk in aid of Highbridge's Secretworld and North Somerset's RSPCA later this month. The 'Dogathon' will be open to dogs of all shapes and sizes, and will be split into two events including a three mile walk. More...

Half marathon beats the thieves
THIEVES who stole dozens of marker signs along the route of Burnham-On-Sea's Half Marathon failed to halt the event on Sunday morning (October 7th). Angry organisers hit out after thieves stole 30 of the signs overnight but the event still started on schedule. More... | Photo gallery | Results

Not again! Car freed from mud
BURNHAM-On-Sea's infamous soft sand and mud caught out another motorist on the town's beach on Saturday evening (October 6th). A small crowd of beach users helped push and dig the car free after its front wheels sank into the sand near the town's jetty at 5pm. More...

Asda 24-hour alcohol plan rejected
Exclusive: HIGHBRIDGE'S soon-to-open Asda supermarket will not be able to sell alcohol 24 hours a day after local councillors discussed the matter this week. Members of the Burnham and Highbridge Planning Applications Committee considered a licensing application by the supermarket giant to permit the sale of "alcohol and late night refreshments" 24 hours a day. More...

Bloom group gets cash boost
ORGANISERS of Burnham and Highbridge's bid to reverse its fortunes in the annual 'Britain in Bloom' competition have something to smile about, after being handed a cash windfall. The group has been given a a grant of £2,200 by the District Council's Grants Panel. More...

Town fire crews tackle blaze
THIS was the scene in Meadowcroft Drive in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday (October 5th) when two town fire crews were called to tackle a blaze in a shower room. The fire crews shut off the gas and electric supplies at the property and used one hose reel jet. More...

Zapcat pilot's rollercoaster ride
Exclusive: A ZAPCAT pilot from Burnham-On-Sea has been recovering in a Cornwall hospital after breaking his back during a serious race accident... but he told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week how his agony has turned into elation. Tony Cooper has thanked rescuers who came to his aid. More...

Public loos get £34,000 boost
PUBLIC toilet facilities in Highbridge and Brean are set to be improved - just days after we reported that a block of loos in Burnham is to be closed until next Spring due to anti-social behaviour. Sedgemoor District Council announced the boost on Friday (Oct 5th). More...

Police on the run in Burnham!
BURNHAM-On-Sea was probably the most heavily policed town in the whole of the south west on Thursday afternoon (October 4th) when dozens of officers from across the region took part in a 10 kilometre run. The race was held on the town's beach for the first year. More...

Residents fight care home plan
Exclusive: CONCERNED Burnham-On-Sea councillors and residents are fighting plans by a care company to convert a residential property in the town into two flats. The bid by Karis Care Homes is due to be decided by planners next Tuesday (October 8th). More...

Police in search for firearm
POLICE were called to a Highbridge housing estate on Wednesday evening (October 3rd) where they carried out a search for a firearm. Burnham police officers were called to "a domestic incident" in Gulliford Close shortly after 5.30pm, whilst lasted until 11pm. More...

Mud trap vehicle in beach alert
COASTGUARDS were called to Burnham-On-Sea beach on Thursday morning (October 4th) after the owner of a 4x4 vehicle and boat trailer reported that they were trapped in mud. A team of Burnham Coastguards were alerted at 7.20am and were quickly on the scene. More...

Weekly markets extended
BREAN Leisure Park has announced that it is to continue its Saturday Markets up until Christmas. The popular Saturday markets will start at 9am each week and will include a wide range of stalls and traders selling clothes, household goods and gifts. More...

Road re-opens after accident
A Burnham-On-Sea motorist had a lucky escape after her vehicle span off the road into a ditch on the outskirts of the town on Wednesday morning (October 3rd). Police closed Stoddens Lane to all traffic after a blue Mazda slid off the road into the ditch, as pictured here. More...

Jason raises £500 from run
A BURNHAM-On-Sea runner has raised over £500 for charity by completing the Great North Run earlier this week. Jason Vickers, pictured, finished Sunday's race in a time of two hour and 45 minutes - which he was delighted with. Money raised will go to MS. More...

Bike group visits St John HQ
MEMBERS of the Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service visited St John Ambulance volunteers in Highbridge this week. Three members of the motorcycle group visited the St John headquarters on Monday evening to give a talk about their work. More...

'Rail station must improve' - council
COUNCILLORS in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are to meet travel bosses in an attempt to get services at the town's railway station improved. Reacting to a damning survey that highlighted some of the problems at Highbridge's station, including a 'lack of buses connecting with train times and nearby paths feeling insecure', they are to push for changes. More...

Child rapist captured by police
A MAN who failed to turn up for his trial and was convicted and sentenced of rape in his absence, has been found, police said on Tuesday (October 2nd). Clayton Ball, 25, from Leicestershire, did not arrive at Taunton Crown Court on 24 September and was convicted of rape. More...

Lorry accident delays traffic
A BURNHAM-On-Sea roundabout was partially closed on Monday evening (October 1st) after a lorry lost its load of peat. Queues of traffic built up around the the Edithmead roundabout just off junction 22 of the M5 motorway after the accident at 6.30pm. More...

Tributes for former town Mayor
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge town councillors have this week paid tribute to former town Mayor Dennis Hewings, who has died. A minute's silence was held before Monday night's town council meeting in memory of Mr Hewings, pictured, who was Mayor from 1984 to 1985. More...

Mayor hands out charity cash
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor has handed over a cheque to Macmillan Cancer Support this week following a successful collection during last month's Civic Service. Katie Warren, Fundraising Assistant for Macmillan Cancer Support's Somerset Office, received £352.74. More...

Marisa's got star quality!
SINGER Marisa Billitteri wowed the judges at Brean Leisure Park, near Burnham-On-Sea, this week when she was crowned the winner of the regional Search For A Star 2007 competition. Marisa beat off competition from eight other contestants at Sunday's final. More...

Visitors join Rotary litter-pick
A GROUP of official visitors from Indonesia have lending a helping hand during Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club's regular litter-pick in Queen's Drive this week. The four people from Indonesia are in the town as part of the Rotary Club's Group Study Exchange Scheme. More...

300 ready for Half Marathon
OVER 300 runners will gather on the starting line at this Sunday's Burnham-On-Sea Half Marathon. Organiser Brian Beale told Burnham-On-Sea.com that the number of runners is currently down on last year's 450, but entries are still coming in and will be accepted on the day. More...

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