Latest Burnham-On-Sea News

September 2010 news archive
August 2010 news archive
July 2010 news archive
June 2010 news archive
May 2010 news archive
April 2010 news archive
March 2010 news archive
February 2010 news archive
January 2010 news archive

Rugby players pack for cash
OVER £200 was raised for Burnham-On-Sea Rugby Club on Saturday (October 30th) when young players held a day-long fundraising event. The youngsters packed the bags of dozens of shoppers at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World in return for donations. More...

Town gets into Halloween spirit
Photo Special: FUN-loving residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area have been celebrating Halloween with a whole host of spooky events, from parties and trick or treat events to haunted walks. Burnham-On-Sea.com has been there to record them all on camera. More...

£30k revamp for church hall
WORK to refurbish St Andrew's Church Hall in Burnham with £30,000 of improvements is on track to be completed at the end of November. The building in Manor Road, built in 1912, was recently awarded grant funding from environmental firm Viridor Credits. More...

Oh my cod! What a catch
THIS bumper-sized cod was reeled in by an angler during a fishing competition in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (October 31st). Doug Petrie landed the 11lb 15oz cod from his boat near Brean Down during a competition run by Burnham Boat Owners Sea Angling Association. More...

Water ski event hailed a success
Photo Special: Some of the UK's top water skiers headed to Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (October 31st) to take part in a successful competition, which has opened the door to the national championships returning to the town in 2011. The weather stayed calm and dry for two races. More...

Town's MP is Halloween judge
MP Tessa Munt and Highbridge councillor Joe Leach were the special guest judges of a Halloween fancy dress contest held on Sunday (October 31st). More than 45 children and their families dressed in spooky costumes attended a party at the town's Morland Hall. More...

Driver hurt in M5 accident
POLICE closed the southbound carriageway of the M5 near Burnham-On-Sea early today (Sunday, October 31st) after a serious accident. Police and other emergency services were called to the M5 after the single vehicle accident occurred between junctions 22 at Burnham and 21 at Weston. More...

Dance auditions this Monday
A NEW contemporary dance company is being set up in Burnham-On-Sea this week and auditions are being held for new recruits. DanceFit Studio in Love Lane is inviting dancers aged 16 and over to join the auditions this Monday (November 1st). Professional contemporary dancer Emma Duffill will hold the event at the DanceFit studios at 5.30pm. More...

Air cadets visit 'sinking ship'
CADETS from Burnham-On-Sea's 290 Air Squadron have this week been experiencing at first-hand how the Royal Navy fights fires at sea and saves sinking warships. A 12-strong contingent have visited the Navy's state-of-the-art sinking ship simulator in Plymouth. More...

Hospice fayre raises £570
OVER £500 was raised for St Margaret's Hospice when an Autumn Fair was held in Burnham-On-Sea. Various stalls were set up at St Andrew's Church Hall in Manor Road selling cakes, Christmas cards and Bric a Brac, alongside a traditional tombola and treasure hunt in aid of the hospice. More...

Carnival countdown underway
THE finishing touches are being made to Burnham-On-Sea's carnival cart, with just days to go until the big event. Members of Hillview Carnival Club have been working around the clock to get their cart, called The Show, ready in time for the Bridgwater Carnival this Friday (November 5th). More...

Police issue cash machine alert
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have today (Friday) warned residents to be alert when using outdoor cash machines following a new security scare in the town. It comes after an ATM outside Burnham-On-Sea's Tesco store in Ben Travers Way was tampered with. More...

Free fireworks today
A SPARKLING free fireworks display will take place in Brean on Saturday night (October 30th). The final spectacular display of the year at Brean Leisure Park will start at 7.30pm. There will be no admittance charge, but there will be collections for several local charities. More..

High Street plans go on show
RESIDENTS and visitors to Burnham-On-Sea will get an opportunity to have their say on the proposed pedestrianisaion of the town's High Street next week. A three-day public exhibition is to be held at the former Thresher's shop in College Street from Thursday November 4th. More...

Group makes song and dance!
WELL-known songs and dances from popular musicals and movies will be performed at Burnham-On-Sea's Curtain Call School of Performing Arts annual winter show on Saturday November 13th. 'It's Show Time' will feature many toe-tapping favourites from familiar musicals and films. More...

Pier fundraisers visit Burnham
FOUR fundraisers who have challenged themselves to walk along of England's piers backwards for a Burnham-On-Sea charity have stopped off at the town's pier. Neil Jackson, Mick Enright, Martin Hill and Martin Gisby are undertaking the unique challenge to help a local charity. More...

Lifeboats in search for man
BOTH Burnham-On-Sea's lifeboats were launched on Thursday morning (October 28th) to help search for a person reported to be in a distressed state. Burnham RNLI's boats were launched at 9.44am to search for the missing man, aged in his 20s, on the shores at Brean. More...

Bishop welcomes new vicar
THE Bishop of Bath and Wells was in Highbridge on Thursday evening (October 28th) to officially welcome a new vicar in the town. A congregation of more than 100 people filled St John's Church to take part in a special service when Sharon Crossman became its new vicar. More...

A victory for people power!
Exclusive: CELEBRATIONS were underway in a Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday (October 28th) after residents won their long-running campaign to halt a seafront home being replaced with an 'obtrusive' block of 13 flats. The Planning Inspectorate has this week rejected an appeal. More...

£40k lifeline for council services
Exclusive: Councillors on Burnham and Highbridge Town Council have this week voted in favour of spending more than £40,000 to keep public toilets open in the two towns and dog waste bins emptied. It follows a plea from cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council for the town council to contribute towards the cost of maintaining various threatened public services. More...

Top water skiers head to town
Exclusive: SOME of the UK's top water skiers will be heading to Burnham-On-Sea this weekend to take part in a competition in Bridgwater Bay which, if successful, could lead to the UK's national water skiing championships returning to Burnham-On-Sea in 2011. More...

MP questions PM over deaths
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP confronted the Prime Minister today (Wednesday) over new figures that reveal more than 400 people die every winter in Somerset owing to the cold or poor housing. Tessa Munt urged PM David Cameron to support a local charity helping them. More...

Town's poppy appeal launches
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayoress has this week launched the town's annual poppy appeal. Maria Clarke was the special guest at Tuesday morning's event, which was organised by members of Burnham's Royal British Legion at their headquarters in Victoria Street. More...

New water park to open in 2011
WORK to build a new multi-million water park and swimming pool at Brean is on track to be completed at the end of March 2011. The £1.2m first phase of the project to create the new Brean Splash waterpark at Brean Leisure Park is progressing to schedule, bosses said this week. More...

Dreamscheme's poster blitz
YOUNGSTERS from Highbridge's Dreamscheme were busy on Tuesday (October 26th) distributing Halloween posters and crime prevention advice to homes across the town. The children, aged from 8-14, spent four hours delivering leaflets to areas of Highbridge that have suffered anti-social behaviour at Halloween. More...

African trek raises £3,500
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea man who lost 15 stone in 15 months has completed an incredible week-long climb up to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise thousands of pounds for charity. Keith Mitchell twice won a National Slimathon competition last year. More...

Anger over boundaries 'carve up'
Exclusive: Controversial changes to the local parish boundaries across the Burnham-On-Sea area have been attacked by councillors on Tuesday (October 26th). Among the sweeping changes, the Brent Knoll electoral ward will be carved up into smaller areas and the Alstone area of Highbridge will be removed from the Huntspill Ward. More...

Brother and sister join army
TWO brave young members of a Burnham-On-Sea family have begun careers in the army. Former King Alfred School students Joshua and Natasha Gratton, pictured, have both passed out during recent weeks, having completed rigourous training programmes. More...

Long service award for Martin
A LIFE-saving fireman in Burnham-On-Sea has this week received a special award to mark his two decades in the job. Martin Pople received his 20 year service award from Vice Lord Lieutenant Sir John Cave at a fire service ceremony on Monday evening (October 25th). More...

Soldier's war diaries auctioned
THE forgotten diary of a First World War soldier were sold by his Burnham-On-Sea family at an auction on Tuesday (October 26th). Private Bert Camp survived Ypres, Passchendaele and the Somme and was wounded twice and once reported as 'killed in action' several times. More...

Search for missing fisherman
BURNHAM-On-Sea Coastguards launched a search for a missing fisherman on Sunday evening (October 24th). A team of nine Burnham Coastguards was called out at 4.15pm to scour the coastline between West Huntspill and Brean for the missing man, aged in his 40s. More...

Halloween safety drive launched
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea have this week warned they will crackdown on any anti-social behaviour during the Halloween weekend as they launched a high-profile bid to ensure residents have a safe, fun and peaceful time. Traditionally, Halloween has been the busiest night of the year for police. More...

Malaria nurse in sex inquiry
THE NURSE who once lived in Burnham-On-Sea and went missing after being infected with malaria during a medical trial is reportedly being investigated over allegations of a sex attack. Matthew Lloyd, 35, was found safely in the Netherlands last week. More...

Internet awareness day a hit
SCORES of people took the opportunity to take their first steps on the Internet during a special event held in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday. Burnham's BAY Centre in Cassis Close was one of hundreds of locations across the UK taking part in the annual nationwide UK Online day. More...

Marine Drive camera rejected
Exclusive: Burnham-On-Sea's MP and a local district councillor have this week expressed their concern that calls for a new speed camera in the town have been rejected by Somerset County Council. Cllr Joe Leach has been campaigning for the introduction of a speed camera along Marine Drive. More...

Fresh plea for carnival help
ORGANISERS of Burnham-On-Sea's Carnival have appealed for more helpers to come forward for next month's event. Judges, marshalls, collectors and general helpers are required for the big event, which this year takes place on Monday November 8th starting at 7pm. More...

Drugs not on police priority list
Exclusive: RESIDENTS in Highbridge have this week chosen street drinking, illegal parking and anti-social behaviour as the top three priorities for police to tackle over the next three months - the first time that drugs enforcement has not been on their list for two years. More...

CCTV appeal after burglary
Exclusive: POLICE have appealed for help in identifying three men following a burglary in Brean. A grainy CCTV image of the trio has been released by police this week as they investigate a burglary from a caravan site in the village which happened earlier in October. More...

Cuts 'widen gap between towns'
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP and a leading local councillor have this week warned that the gap between Burnham and Highbridge could widen as council spending cutbacks are implemented. Tessa Munt and Joe Leach made the warning after Somerset County Council unveiled its plans for millions of pounds of cutbacks. More...

Concert boosts hospital funds
AN evening of big band tunes by Highbridge's King Alfred Concert Band raised more than £700 for the Friends of Burnham-On-Sea Hospital on Saturday night (October 23rd). More than 100 people attended the fundraiser, including the town's Mayor and Mayoress. More...

In photos: Apex Balloon Walk
DOZENS of fundraisers pulled on their walking boots and blew up a balloon when they took part in a colourful fundraising event at Highbridge's Apex Park on Saturday morning (October 23rd). More than 70 people took part in The Balloon Walk, held for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. More...

Footpath protest held in Berrow
HEAVY rain failed to stop a protest march in Berrow on Saturday morning (October 23rd) as villagers stepped up their calls for a new footpath to be introduced along Coast Road. The protest, organised by Berrow's Local Action Team, was the latest in a series of marches to be held this year to put pressure on the County Council to build a new footpath. More...

£100 raised at coffee morning
A FUNDRAISING coffee morning held in Berrow on Saturday (October 23rd) raised cash for the village's Brownies and Guides. The event, held at Berrow Church Hall, was organised by Berrow Brownies and Guides and raised an impressive total sum of £186.65. More...

Biker hurt in town centre crash
A motorcyclist was taken to hospital after an accident in the centre of Highbridge on Friday evening (October 22nd). Police and ambulance crews rushed to the busy A38 roundabout at the junction of Church Street and Market Street at 8.30pm following the collision with a passing car. More...

Lifeboat called to sea object
A BURNHAM-On-Sea lifeboat was launched on Friday evening (October 22nd) to investigate reports of 'suspicious object' in the water near Stert Island. An eagle-eyed member of the public spotted the object floating along the estuary and immediately alerted Coastguards. More...

Council cuts set to hit Burnham area
TENS of millions of pounds in cuts to council-run services have been proposed by Somerset County Council just 24 hours after the Government's spending review was announced. Services from social care to education, and bus subsidies to repairing roads, could be cutback over the next three years as the County Council reacts to the Government announcement. More...

Arrests after cash and drugs seized
POLICE have seized a bag of suspected drugs and a large quantity of money during a raid on a home in Highbridge this week. Police said on Friday (October 22nd) that a 31 year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of possessing of a controlled drug. A 44 year-old was also held on suspicion of money laundering. More...

Top award for Dreamscheme
YOUNGSTERS and leaders from Highbridge's Dreamscheme were celebrating on Thursday (October 21st) after scooping a top police award for their work. The group won the sought-after accolade during the third annual Children and Young People's Awards held by the police. More...

Faye's praised for youth work
A TEENAGER from Highbridge has this week been presented with a top police award for her work with Highbridge Youth Club. Faye Leatherby, an A-Level student, has been recognised for her work at the police's third annual Children and Young People's Awards in Portishead. More...

Drugs voted top police issue
TACKLING drugs and speeding traffic have this week been voted by members of the public as the top two priorities for police in Burnham-On-Sea. During the quarterly PACT meeting in Burnham on Thursday evening (October 21st), residents had their say about policing in the town. More...

Fresh fears over cancer rates
FRESH fears about the health effects of Hinkley Point power station on people living in the Burnham-On-Sea area have been raised this week. It follows the release of figures that suggest breast cancer diagnoses are 50 per cent above national figures in Burnham-On-Sea. More...

Paint trial for town lighthouse
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's iconic lighthouse has been given a fresh coat of a specialised marine paint this week which should mean it won't have to be decorated as frequently in the future. Contractors have been working at the famous building, as pictured. More...

Fire crews tackle M5 blaze
TWO fire crews rushed to tackle a car blaze on the M5 motorway between Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater on Wednesday evening (October 20th). Two appliances from Bridgwater attended the car fire on the northbound carriageway at 8.50pm, which was caused by leaking fuel. More...

Sanders searches for a star
SANDERS Garden World in Brent Knoll has this week invited parents, grandparents, guardians and teachers from across the area to nominate a child who they think deserves to be a hailed a 'star'. The garden centre is looking for nominations for a child. More...

Lifeboats investigate 'flare'
BURNHAM-On-Sea's lifeboats were launched to investigate the sighting of a possible distress flare in the Bristol Channel on Wednesday evening (October 20th). Coastguards spotted a red flare in the night sky towards Watchet at 7.45pm and raised the alarm. More...

Police hunt for missing man
POLICE are asking the public to help them locate a missing Worcester man who may be in the Burnham-On-Sea area. Philip Champken, 59, was last seen by a relative in the city on September 19th. The social worker has links with the Burnham area. More...

Councillors set to step down
Exclusive: Four well-known Burnham-On-Sea town councillors are set to step down before next Spring's local elections, Burnham-On-Sea.com can reveal. Councillors Dennis Davey, Arthur Thorogood, Phoebe Harling and Danny Titcombe have this month decided not to defend their seats at the 2011 council elections. More...

Stranded teenager rescued
A TEENAGER who got cut off by the incoming tide at Brean Down was rescued by lifeboat crews this evening (Wednesday). The 18 year-old boy became stranded on rocks near the wartime fort shortly after 5pm, prompting the launch of two lifeboats and a Coastguard team from Burnham. More...

Council reassures over cuts
SEDGEMOOR District Council has this week tried to reassure residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area that it is committed to protecting front-line public services, where possible. The comments come ahead of today's government's Spending Review announcement (October 20th). More...

Squirrels released by carers
WILDLIFE carers in Burnham-On-Sea have this week released several abandoned baby squirrels back into the wild after nursing them for several months. The abandoned baby animals were brought to Secret World and released this week at a holiday park in Burnham-On-Sea. More...

Tickets on sale for BEES event
REHEARSALS are underway at the Burnham Excellent Entertainment Society this week as its members prepare for their annual autumn show, which this year is Disney’s musical Beauty and the Beast. The curtain will rise on the first performance at the Princess on 20th November. More...

Workshop was final free event
THE final free event to be held at Apex Park funded by Somerset Community Foundation's Grassroots scheme was held at the weekend. Creative writing teacher Debby Grice held an all-day adults creative writing workshop at the Highbridge park on Saturday (16th October). More...

New Hinkley plants closer
TWO new nuclear power stations will be built at Hinkley Point, energy secretary Chris Huhne has confirmed this week. The minister has dropped plans for new reactors at three existing nuclear plants around Britain but given a 'green light' to another eight including Hinkley Point. More...

Decision on tourist centre nears
Exclusive: SEDGEMOOR District Council looks set to let a community group take over the running of Burnham-On-Sea Tourist Information Centre. The council's Executive has met during the past week to examine two bids to take over the threatened seafront building, and a final decision is due to be made shortly.. More...

Kids centre celebrates Divali
STAFF, parents and children at Highbridge Children's Centre have been celebrating Divali over the past week. The events have included dressing up in traditional costumes, making samosas and watching a video of Bollywood dance during several days of activities. More...

Residents call crisis meeting
Exclusive: WORRIED members of Highbridge Residents Association are to hold a crisis meeting to discuss controversal plans to build thousands of new homes in the town over the next two decades. The group is concerned at proposals to build 4,000 homes in the town over 16 years. More...

£300k revamp for village hall
Exclusive: A major £300,000 project to refurbish Berrow Village Hall is progressing well, with the work on track to be completed by Christmas. The work includes the extension of the popular building to create a new meeting hall, a new meeting room and the modern new toilet facilities. More...

Have your say on town crime
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge residents will be able to have their say about policing in the towns when quarterly Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings are held this week. PACT meetings give local residents a voice and an opportunity to set the priorities for police. More...

TV comedians are a sell-out
A COMEDY duo who are well known for their TV and radio performances dating back to the 1960s entertained a packed audience in Brean at the weekend. Over 250 people filled Brean Leisure Park's Farmers Tavern on Saturday night (October 16th). More...

Struggling windsurfer helped
Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards were called to help a struggling windsurfer in the sea on Monday evening (October 18th). A concerned passer-by contacted Coastguards at 5.26pm after spotting the surfer attempting to get back onto the beach after his sail collapsed. More...

New support group launched
A NEW peer support group for individuals who are experiencing mental health issues has been launched in Burnham-On-Sea this week. Called the The Way4ward Club, the group has been set up at the town's BAY Centre by a group of local co-ordinators with the support of Rethink. More...

Belly dancers head to ball!
LOCALLY based belly dance troupe The Desert Divas will be one of the attractions at a special fundraising event being held for East Huntspill wildlife rescue charity Secret World in November. The charity promises to whisk you away on a magic carpet to enjoy an Arabian Nights thrmed evening! More...

Fun fair arrives at market site
A FUN fair is set to be held at Highbridge's controversial former market site this week. Posters promoting the four-day event appeared around the fire-ravaged Highbridge Hotel at the weekend and the fair's vehicles started arriving on Sunday ahead of the event. More...

Burnham charity bowled over
A BURNHAM-On-Sea charity has been bowled over with the support of a group of fundraisers from Mark. Members of Mark Short Mat Bowling Club this week visited the seafront headquarters of BARB to hand over a cheque for £200 towards its ongoing maintenance costs. More...

Barrage 'will be built' vows boss
Exclusive: The entrepreneur behind the multi-billion pound project to build a Severn Barrage from Brean Down to Wales has today told Burnham-On-Sea.com that the project can still go ahead without the financial backing of the government. Gareth Woodham is overseeing the Severn Lake project to build an 'energy causeway' between Brean and Wales. More...

Boat careers into roadside ditch
Exclusive: THIS was the unusual scene in Burnham-On-Sea's Queen's Drive on Sunday evening (October 17th) after a fishing boat came off the back of a 4x4 and careered into a roadside ditch. The unfortunate end to a day's fishing occurred at 5.10pm when a Nissan 4x4 lost its trailer and boat. More...

Fishermen spark beach search
Exclusive: SEVERAL search flares were fired into the night sky above Brean beach by Coastguards on Saturday night (October 16th) amid concerns for the safety of a group of people on the end of Brean Down. A team of Burnham Coastguards rushed to the beach at 7.45pm. More...

Brean Halloween challenge
THE National Trust is to hold a spooky Halloween challenge on Brean Down on Sunday October 31st. Its first-ever Brean Down Halloween Challenge will be held from 11am until 3pm and will see the trust's wardens taking the public on a guided walk of the Down. More...

Students visit MP on London trip
STUDENTS from Highbridge's King Alfred School were this week given a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster where they also got to meet the town's MP, Tessa Munt, pictured. The pupils also got to meet and talk with a number of well-known politicians during their visit. More...

Top 'green' awards for holiday park
Exclusive: STAFF at a holiday park in Burnham-On-Sea are celebrating this week after netting two top green awards. Burnham Holiday Village has been awarded a gold in the David Bellamy Conservation Awards and a silver in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. More...

Nursery set to close down
STAFF and pupils at a nursery in East Brent are upset that the 70-year-old facilities are set to close at the end of the year. Rossholme Kindergarten, which moved from Weston to East Brent in 1940 to protect children from bombs, will shut in December it has been confirmed. More...

Striking art goes on show
A NEW exhibition of striking abstract artwork by local artist Elizabeth Matthews has opened at a Burnham-On-Sea art gallery. In addition to her paintings, which are created predominantly in acrylics and mixed media, she is also displaying ceramic art at Sea Breeze. More...

Commercial hovercraft launches
A new commercial hovercraft service offering trips along Burnham-On-Sea beach to tourists and visitors is set to launch today (Friday). Tourism Minister John Penrose will be the VIP guest at the launch ceremony on the town's beach. The Red Devils Parachute Display Team will also perform a display as part of the launch celebrations. More...

Malaria nurse has links with town
Exclusive: A nurse who went missing last week after being infected with malaria has links with Burnham-On-Sea, it has emerged this week.Matthew Lloyd, 35, who works at Southampton General Hospital, needs life-saving treatment after taking part in an anti-malarial drugs trial. More...

Pedestrianisation work underway
Exclusive: The £210,000 project to pedestrianise part of Burnham-On-Sea's High Street took another step forward this week when surveyors began design work in the town centre. The county council's highways team have been recording measurements and other information to help put together the designs for the project. More...

School holds youth convention
Photo Special: Dozens of children attended a special event in Highbridge on Thursday (October 14th) aimed at encouraging them to take part in out-of-school youth activities in the area. The 'Out Of School Convention' at Highbridge's King Alfred School was organised by staff and Burnham and Highbridge Police. More...

Young film buffs up for award
TWOyoung film buffs from Burnham-On-Sea are set to travel to London next week to take part in a prestigious film ceremony in London. Tommy Harkness, 11, and Molly Harding, 14, have both nominated for Young Film Critic of the Year and will be attending the event at BAFTA in Piccadily on Tuesday (19th October). More...

Fireworks barge plan is axed
Exclusive: Plans to use a barge in the middle of Bridgwater Bay to launch thousands of fireworks during Burnham-On-Sea's annual display have been scrapped this week. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported in July how a high tide occurring on the night of the display, on Sunday November 7th, meant the organisers had decided to launch the pyrotechnics from a floating barge because the jetty will be underwater. More...

Busy roundabout 'a success'
Exclusive: THE layout of this controversial roundabout in Burnham-On-Sea looks set to remain unchanged after town councillors this week reviewed its safety record and hailed its introduction as a success. Councillors decided at a meeting on Wednesday night (October 13th) that the 'temporary trial' roundabout at the junction of Pepperall Road and Burnham Road should become permanent. More...

Holiday park hit by BBC complaint
Exclusive: A holidaymaker's complaints about the standard of his accommodation at Pontin's holiday park in Brean gained nationwide attention on BBC1's Watchdog programme this week. Scott Lee contacted the show to explain how he had upgraded his roomto find it had "cracked walls, exposed electrical wiring, heaters hanging off the wall, and a filthy cooking grill." More...

PC assaulted in Highbridge
An 18 year-old man has been arrested following a drugs search which ended in a 'violent struggle' and the assault of a policeman in the centre of Highbridge last night (Tuesday). Following reports of anti-social behaviour on Highbridge Town Green in Market Street, Highbridge beat officers PCs Adrian Jones and Ryan Dinham carried out a drugs search. More...

Man arrested after town assault
Exclusive: A 40-year-old man has been arrested in Burnham-On-Sea after a man was allegedly head-butted in the face during a dispute about money. Police officers were called to Abingdon Street at 11.15pm on Friday evening (October 8th) following the incident. More...

Take a trip down memory line
THE fascinating history of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's railway stations will be brought to life during an illustrated talk being held in the town this evening (Wednesday, October 13th). North Sedgemoor Local History Group is holding the slide show and talk. More...

Rock event for tennis academy
A popular Burnham-On-Sea rock group will be performing a concert this weekend to raise money for a growing tennis academy. The Ginger Hitlas will play at The Pier in Pier Street this Saturday (16th October) to raise cash for the Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy. More...

Hospital fundraiser announced
THE Friends of Burnham Hospital is holding a special concert latert this month to raise much-needed funds for equipment to help improve the lives of patients at the hospital. The Friends have provided hundreds of thousands of pounds towards the hospital's major refurbishment. More...

Judith completes daring wing walk
ADARING wing walk above the skies of Essex has helped Burnham-On-Sea socialworker Judith Alder raise more than £1,500 for a local goodcause. Burnham-On-Sea.com reported in August how war veteran HaroldPursey, who refused to move into care unless his faithful dogcould go too, had died peacefully at the age of 94 with his labradorBob at his side. More...

Beach turned into BBC film set
This unusual vehicle was the centrepiece of a BBC TV children's programme being filmed on Berrow beach on Monday (October 11th). The beach and dunes were closed to the public to allow scenes for a new drama series called Sparticles to be filmed for kids channel CBBC. More...

Poll backs Hinkley expansion
Nearly four times as many local people support plans for a new power station at Hinkley Point than oppose it, according to a new survey by independent research company ICM published today (Tuesday). 85 per cent of people living within approximately 25 miles of Hinkley Point say that the project is important for local jobs. More...

Drugs raids in West Huntspill
Exclusive: A small quantity of suspected cannabis was seized during two night-time drugs raids at Ringstone in West Huntspill over the weekend. The police operations were launched after members of the public came forward with concerns about drugs beingused in the area. More...

Walker gets a close encounter!
THESE incredible photos of a tame red deer were shot by a walker as she wandered along the banks of the River Brue at Highbridge over the weekend. Burnham-On-Sea.com reader Joy says she "could hardly believe her eyes" when the animal appeared her beside the river. More...

Get Online Week marked in town
A SPECIAL event aimed at encouraging more people to use the Internet is to be held in Burnham-On-Sea later this month. National Get Online Week takes place between October 18th and 24th, with the intention of encouraging latecomers to the Web to get online. More...

New-look sports centre opens
THE completion of a major refurbishment at a Burnham-On-Sea sports centre is set to be marked with a special opening of the facilities to the public this week. King Alfred Sports Centre in Burnham Road has invested tens of thousands of pounds on the new look. More...

Scouts join in Blue Peter fundraiser
BEAVERS, Cubs, Scouts and leaders in Burnham-On-Sea got creative on Saturday (October 9th) when they took part in a national charity Christmas card making effort. Over 40 members of 1st Burnham-On-Sea Scout Group took part in the card making event. More...

In photos: Burnham Aquathlon
DOZENS of athletes took part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual autumn aquathlon on Sunday (October 10th). The event, organised by Burnham Swim and Sports Academy, saw over 40 competitors compete in a 750m swim followed by a 7km run along the seafront. More...

Town golfer is new UK champion
A Burnham-On-Sea golfer is celebrating success this week after becoming the UK's senior amateur women's champion. Bev New has chipped, putted and driven her way to success by winning the Senior British Women's Open Amateur Golf Championship in West Kilbride. More...

BBC gardener visits Brent Knoll
A BBC gardening expert will be speaking at a garden centre in Brent Knoll this Thursday (October 14th) to take part in a fundraising event. Anne Swithinbank, a presenter from BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time will be at Sanders Garden World on Thursday October 14th to answer questions from the audience. More...

Burnham artist holds exhibition
Burnham-On-Sea artist Michael Squire will be holding his annual exhibition of paintings this week. Michael will be showcasing his work at his home between Friday 15th October and Wednesday 20th October from 10am-4pm. He started painting as a hobby 25 years ago. More...

200 attend bloom awards night
More than 200 people filled Highbridge Community Hall on Saturday evening (October 9th) for the first ever Highbridge In Bloom awards presentations. Dozens of certificates and trophies were handed out by Mayor and Mayoress Michael and Maria Clarke, Sedgemoor District Council Chairman Jane Moreton and Highbridge County Councillor John Woodman. More...

Record-breaking bulb planting!
DOZENS of bulbs were planted alongside a busy Burnham-On-Sea road on Saturday (October 9th) as part of a record-breaking event led by the town's Rotary Club. Youngsters from Burnham Scouts joined local members of the Rotary Club in burying handfuls of the flower bulbs next to Queens Drive. Rotary Clubs across the UK are taking part in the largest-ever planting of purple crocus bulbs. More...

Police appeal after fatal accident
The M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea was completely closed in both directions late on Friday night (Octber 8th) following a fatal accident. Police closed the southbound and northbound carriageways between junction 22 at Burnham and junction 23 at Brdgwater shortly after 11pm, causing long tailbacks for motorists. More...

Scouts' camera skills in focus
Dozens of photographs went on show on Friday evening (October 8th) when more than 30 Burnham-On-Sea Scouts took part in a competition. The youngsters had been given two months to take a variety of shots covering themes such as portraits, sport, landscapes, wildlife, scouting and humour in order to help them earn their photography badges. More...

Two awards for garden team
A new community garden put together by members of Highbridge Residents' Association has won two sought-after awards for the group. The team has won special recognition in the annual Homes in Sedgemoor Garden Competition, and a third place in the 'Developing' category of the National Britain in Bloom competition. More...

Berrow beach to shut for filming
Berrow beach will be closed to the public throughout the day on Monday (October 11th) to allow a BBC TV crew to film a children's TV programme.Scenes for a new drama series for kids channel CBBC called Sparticles will be filmed on the beach and dunes. More...

Property prices show slight fall
Exclusive: A new survey out this week suggests property prices in Burnham-On-Sea have shown slight falls during the past three months following a year-long period of recovery. Figures from the Land Registry show average house prices have fallen by an average of £419 - or 0.22% - in the last quarter. More...

ITV's Daybreak live in Burnham
Live TV pictures of Burnham-On-Sea's beach were beamed across the country on Thursday morning (October 7th). The backdrop of the beach and low lighthouse were shown live at the start of each half-hourly weather bulletin on ITV1's breakfast programme Daybreak. More...

New weight limit for town road
Exclusive: NEW weight restrictions have been introduced along a country road in Burnham-On-Sea amid concern that lorries and other heavy vehicles could damage a railway bridge. Somerset County Council has introduced the new weight limit along Stoddens Lane due to concern about passing vehicles potentially causing damage. More...

In photos: Birds eye view of Burnham
Exclusive: These are the stunning 'birds-eye views' of Burnham-On-Sea that a microlight enthusiast saw when he glided over the town on Wednesday evening (October 6th). High-flying Jeff Thomas was soaring by at 1,000 feet when he snapped the photos of the town's beach and seafront at high tide during a pleasure flight. More...

Town history project started
Memories of school life in Highbridge are being sought by a team working on a new history project. Churchfield Primary School in Highbridge and Bridgwater-based charity Somerset Film want to hear from members of the community, particularly those aged 50 and over, who are interested in giving some time to working with younger people on the new project, called 'Marking Time'. More...

Theatre plan for Queen's Jubilee
Exclusive: PLANS for a huge open-air theatrical performance to be held in Burnham-On-Sea's Manor Gardens to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012 are under consideration. The Town Council has been approached by an open-air theatre company to put on the event. More...

Man held after helicopter search
Exclusive: POLICElaunched a helicopter to search for a suspect following an alleged assault in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday morning (October 6th). A 27 year-old man fled from officers after the alleged assault took place at Burnham Holiday Village, prompting the airbourne search at 11.25am. More...

Plans for 14 new flats win backing
Controversial proposals to convert a prominent property in the centre of Highbridge into a development of 14 new flats and shops were given a green light by the district council on Tuesday (October 5th). Sedgemoor's Development Control Committee considered a revised planning application. More...

Happy ending for injured swan
An injured swan that had to be rescued after getting tangled up in fishing hooks and lines has this week been released back into the wild after a fortnight's recuperation. We reported how the bird had been retrieved at Westhay, near Shapwick, after it swallowed a fishing line and got two hooks and a float embedded in its neck and beak. More...

Library decision in November
A decision on whether Highbridge Library will be shut down in a cost-cutting move by Somerset County Council will be made in November. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported on Monday how town councillors have expressed fears that the library in Market Street, pictured, has been earmarked for closure. More...

'Thumbs down' for village green
CONTROVERSIAL proposals to turn Burnham-On-Sea's South Esplanade into an official 'Village Green' were given a thumbs-down by town councillors on Monday(October 4th). At a meeting in the Town Council Chambers, Paul Chatwin, the entrepreneur behind plans for a new mini golf course, spoke out against the Village Green application, while Peter Hodder explained why residents want it introduced. More...

£3,400 boost for hovercrafts
Holidaymakers at a Brean caravan park have this week handed over a bumper cheque for thousands of pounds to the charity that runs Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercrafts. A summer of fundraising at Diamond Farm Holiday Park in Weston Road has raised £3,448 towards BARB's running maintenance costs. More...

Fire crews called to house blaze
Two fire crews were called to a fire in the garden of a Burnham-On-Sea property on Monday afternoon (October 4th). Crews rushed to Severn Grove at 2.50pm and found a wheelie bin had caught fire, before the flames spread to a fence and the outside of two neighbouring properties. More...

Highbridge library 'could close'
Town councillors have this week expressed their dismay at the potential closure of Highbridge Library. Cllr Mike Mansfield warned at a council meeting in Burnham-On-Sea on Monday evening (October 4th) that the closure of the facilities in Alpha House in Market Street (pictured) looks "a definite possibility" following discussions with the County Council. More...

Campaign for faster Webaccess
A campaign has been launched in Burnham-On-Sea this week to put pressure on BT to introduce super-fast internet access in the town. BT has launched a new website, called The Race to Infinity, where communities across the UK can publicly declare their desire for high-speed net access. More...

Tickets on sale for jazz event
Tickets have gone on sale for a fundraising night of 'jazz and chips' to be held in Burnham's Princess Theatre next month.The popular Bob Reynolds New Society Jazz Band (pictured) will play at the event on Friday 19th November, which is being organised by Burnham's Moose International Lodge. Music fans will also be able to enjoy table-served fish and chips. More...

Council invites local grant bids
Local groups can share in a cash windfall from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Town Council. The council's annual grant funding application period has opened this week and community organisations are now invited to submit applications. For an application form, contact the Town Clerk's office. More...

Country festival is a hit in Brean
Crowds of country and western fans have descended on Brean during the village's annual western festival. The week-long event, which ended on Sunday (October 3rd), was hailed another success by organisers. A 'traders village' comprising marquees was set-up outside the Seagull Inn. More...

300 take part in half marathon
OVER 300 runners took part in Burnham-On-Sea's annual Half Marathon on Sunday morning (October 3rd). A total of 344 runners from across the region took part in the 13-mile event, which was organised by Burnham Harriers running club. Heavy winds and occasional rain hit the finishing times of the entrants, with Luke Scott from Taunton winning. More...

Appeal for carnival volunteers
THEorganisers of the annual Highbridge and Burnham-On-Sea winter carnival have this week issued a fresh appeal for more volunteers to come forward and help with marshalling. Members of the event's committee want extra helpers for the big event, which this year takes place on Monday November 8th. More...

Fire crews battle huge blaze
Fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea and across the region battled a huge barn blaze near Woolavington in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, October 3rd). Firefighters were called to three storage barns in Whitchley Drove, near Woolavington, at 2.20am after nearby residents reported seeing the flames shooting into the air. More...

National Trust takes over cafe
A POPULARcafe situated next to Brean Down was officially re-opened under the management of the National Trust on Saturday morning (October 1st). The Brean Down Cove Cafe and adjoining shop shut last weekend when the lease owned by the previous managers came to an end. More...

Five car shunt at M5 junction
POLICEand the Highways Agency were called to a five-car shunt on the M5 motorway sliproad at Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday afternoon (October 2nd). Two cars, including a Ford Fiesta, were left damaged, as pictured, after the accident occurred at 1.50pm next to the Edithmead roundabout at junction 22. More...

£8k charity target for fundraiser
BRISTOLfather Huw Grove is taking up the challenge of a lifetime to help a Highbridge-based childrens charity. On October 15th Huw is trekking off along Peru's Inca Trail to the long-hidden ancient city of Machu Picchu, to raise money for the National Blind Children's Society which has its head office in Market Street, Highbridge. More...

MP joins wind farm protest
WINDfarm protesters from across the Burnham-On-Sea area flocked to a public meeting on Friday evening (October 1st), where they received the backing of a local MP. Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset, was among 50 people at the meeting in Pawlett, as pictured. He aired his opposition to the controversial plans. More...

Crews tackle M5 lorry blaze
THESEwere the scenes on the M5 motorway at Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (October 1st) as fire crews tackled a lorry fire. Two fire engines from Burnham were called at 11.18pm to a fire involving an empty livestock trailer close to Sedgemoor Services on the northbound carriageway. More...

Woman jailed for 18 months
A Highbridge woman was jailed for 18 months on Friday (October 1st) for perverting the course of justice during the investigation into the murder of Burnham-On-Sea man George Lawson. Debbi Huxtable, 28, from Southwell Crescent, was sentenced by a judge at Exeter Crown Court. More...

Rock group winsRadio 2 contest
A rock group based in the Burnham-On-Sea area has won national acclaim on BBC Radio 2 this week. Men In Spex won Patrick Kielty's Last Chance Saloon competition on BBC Radio 2 with their original song 'Say What You Want'. The group includes Neil Richards from East Brent and Nick Grimsley from Brean. More...

Earlier Burnham-On-Sea news stories:

2004 news archive
2005 news archive
2006 news archive
2007 news archive
2008 news archive
2009 news archive

Burnham-On-Sea Discussion Forum:
Discuss local news issues and more on our bulletin boards - click here