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Tributes flood in for Louis, 18
TRIBUTES have been flooding in for an 18 year-old teenager who was found dead in Burnham-On-Sea last week. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported last week how Louis Doran, pictured right, was found dead last Monday evening (February 1st). Dozens of tributes have paid on the man's Facebook page. More...

Burnham set for new snowfall?
WINTRY scenes like this could be set to return to Burnham-On-Sea this week, with forecasters predicting the town will get a dusting of snow. Temperatures are expected to plunge as low as -4 degrees Centigrade, and light snow showers could leave a dusting of the white stuff. More...

£3,400 confiscated from drug dealer
Exclusive: A Burnham-On-Sea man who has been convicted of drug dealing has had thousands of pounds confiscated by police. The 41-year-old from the town has been forced to hand over £3,400 under powers given to officers through the Proceeds of Crime Act. Once an offender has been convicted, police and the courts can investigate their finances. More...

Bereaved family raises £1,300
A BEREAVED family has raised £1,300 for the Intensive Care Unit at Weston General Hospital through a sponsored fishing match. Jonathan Puddy, 21, of Burnham-On-Sea was a keen angler before his death in a crash last August. His brothers organised a fundraising fishing event. More...

MP: 'Sorry for expenses mistake'
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this weekend apologised to voters for "making a mistake" over his controversial expense claims. Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com on the town's seafront, Mr Heathcoat-Amory admitted that he regrets his expense claims, which famously included £380 for horse manure. More..

20p a week rise in council tax
COUNCIL tax bills in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will rise by less than 20p a week after town councillors this week approved a small increase for the coming year. For 2010-11, the town council's precept demand to Sedgemoor District Council will be £416,472, which means the Town Council’s share for the year will be £60.99 for an average Band D property. More...

Voting guides to be delivered
SEDGEMOOR District Council is sending a leaflet to every household in the Burnham-On-Sea area in a drive to encourage more residents to register to vote or check that they are registered for the forthcoming general election. Councils across the UK are being encouraged to make sure that voters are on the Electoral Register. More...

Surprise! Surprise! Cilla's in town
TV personality Cilla Black was spotted in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday morning (February 7th). Several shoppers claim to have seen the TV presenter walking along the High Street near Shickle Shoes and she apparently stayed at a guesthouse in the town. More...

Lottery win is blooming great!
MEMBERS of Highbridge In Bloom are celebrating this week after learning they have scooped a National Lottery funding grant of £1,759. The money has been awarded by Awards for All, a Lottery grants scheme which supports small, community projects across the UK. More...

Car washes raise £1k for RNLI
BURNHAM-On-Sea lifeboat station's second car wash on Saturday 6th February has was hailed a success after being supported by dozens of local motorists. Over the course of two weekends, a total of £1,083.70 was raised for the RNLI when 106 vehicles were washed by the team. More...

Elgar festival tickets now on sale
THE music of one of England's greatest composers, Edward Elgar, will be celebrated during a two-day festival being held in Burnham-On-Sea later this month. The town's University of the Third Age (U3A) and lecturer Julian Williamson have joined forces to present a Elgar Weekend starting on February 27th. More..

Top acoustic act heads to town
ONE of the UK's leading acts on the acoustic music scene will be playing at Burnham-On-Sea's Ritz Acoustic Club later this month. Ember will be performing on Thursday February 18th from 8pm, with tickets priced at £5 each. Ember comprises of Welsh violinist Emily Williams and Utah-born steel string player Rebecca Sullivan. More..

Crime falls 12.6% in Burnham
Exclusive: CRIME in Burnham-On-Sea has fallen 12.6% over the past year, residents were told by police this week when officers held their quarterly community meeting in the town. Over 20 members of the public attended Thursday's PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting at the Town Council chambers. More..

Cash windfall for local schools
TWO local schools shared financial boosts of several thousand pounds on Friday (February 5th). Delighted pupils and staff at Brent Knoll Primary School and Lympsham School received donations from a regional 'Cash For Schools' competition run in conjunction with Barclays Bank. More..

Extra £28,000 for tourist centre
COUNCILLORS in Burnham-On-Sea have today (Friday) welcomed the news that Sedgemoor District Council is to contribute £28,000 towards keeping the cash-strapped Tourist Information Centre open. Sedgemoor has decided to pledge a further £28,000 to keep it open for the next financial year. More..

Lorry destroyed in blaze drama
THESE were the scenes in Brent Knoll this morning (Friday) as fire crews from Burnham-On-Sea tackled a lorry blaze. Two fire crews were called out at 11.20am after a 17 tonne vehicle was reported to be alight at Sanders Garden World garden centre just off the A38. Two appliances from Burnham were sent to the scene. More...

Subway bids for 3am licence
BURNHAM-On-Sea's recently-opened Subway store wants a new premises licence so that it can open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays - but a group of local residents has objected to the proposals. Mike Bond, the owner of the Burnham franchise, has applied to the council. More...

Jodie wins seat in parliament!
A BURNHAM-On-Sea school student will be representing Sedgemoor and Mendip in the UK Youth Parliament. Jodie Gregg, a Year 11 pupil at King Alfred School, has been voted to represent Sedgemoor and Mendip in the UK Youth Parliament. This is the first time a student from the school has put themselves forward. More..

Apex play area shuts due to mud
THE mud-soaked play area at Highbridge's Apex Park has been temporarily closed this week by Sedgemoor District Council after problems worsened. Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report last month that parents and children are furious about the muddy conditions at the park. More..

Dozens attend funeral of vicar
DOZENS of mourners, including current and past Mayors, paid their last respects to a popular former Burnham-On-Sea vicar on Thursday afternoon (February 4th). Raymond Dean, who was vicar of St Andrew's Church from 1970-1993, passed away last month and a special thanksgiving service was held in his memory. More...

MP repays £29,000 expenses
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP David Heathcoat-Amory has paid back almost £30,000 in expense claims for gardening and cleaning items, it was confirmed this evening (Thursday). He said the payment was made earlier this week. It comes after a day of national media attention on the controversial subject. More...

Four bidders for town's Princess
Exclusive: Four bids have been made by groups wanting to take over Burnham-On-Sea’s Princess Hall, it was revealed by the district council on Wednesday (February 3rd). Sedgemoor District Council confirmed that four firms have submitted formal 'expressions of interest' to take over the management of the loss-making hall. More...

Mayor opens new pool facilities
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor and Mayoress were the special guests at the unveiling of new disabled facilities at the town's swimming pool on Wednesday morning (February 3rd). Burnham's Medical Equipment Fund has donated £2,100 towards the purchase of a new set of specialised steps. More...

Burnham's BARB gets £3k boost
THE charity that runs Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercrafts has been given a financial boost this week with the donation of more than £3,000. Residents in Trinity Close have handed over a cheque to BARB for £3,127.71 to help fund the replacement of one of its life-saving hovercrafts. More...

Teenager found dead in town
Exclusive: POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea are investigating the death of an 18-year-old youth in the town. Burnham-On-Sea.com understands the body of the man was found at an undisclosed address in the town on Monday evening (February 1st). Police are not treating the death as suspicious at this time. More...

Marine Cove plans unveiled
Exclusive: A £360,000 project to revamp Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens has taken another step forward this week with the formal submission of a planning application for the scheme. The scheme covers the restoration of the seafront public park and modernisation of various facilities. More...

Councillors split on £50k lifeline
TOWN councillors in Burnham-On-Sea have this week voted in favour of spending £50,000 on keeping Burnham-On-Sea's cash-strapped Tourist Information Centre open over the summer, but several councillors have expressed their deep concerns about the plan - and proposed a smaller funding package. More...

Man arrested over Brean crash
Exclusive: A MOTORIST has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving following late night accident in Brean at the weekend. Police were called to Brean Leisure Park at just after 1am on Saturday morning (January 30th) after the collision. Inspector Roger Tolley confirmed the news to Burnham-On-Sea.com. More..

Housing firm may fund new clock
DOZENS of people who donated money towards the repair of Highbridge's crumbling town clock may be given their money back if a local housing developer provides up to £15,000 towards the cost of a new clock. Raglan Homes may give the money for a new town clock as part of a commitment to support the community. More...

Burnt toast sparks fire drama!
A PIECE of burnt toast sparked a call-out for Burnham-On-Sea's fire crew on Tuesday morning (February 2nd). Fire fighters were called to the David Salisbury factory on Highbridge's Isleport Industrial Estate at 9.45am to investigate after the alarms sounded. One fire engine was sent to the scene. More...

Tickets on sale for Brean show
TICKETS have gone on sale for the annual winter performance by Brean's Coastline Players. The group will be performing "Humpty Dumpy" in the village hall from Monday 15th February to Saturday 20th February. Tickets, costing from £4, are now available from the post office. More...

Boundary changes unveiled
PROPOSALS to change several electoral boundaries across the Burnham-On-Sea area have been formally uneveiled by the district council this week. The Boundary Committee for England is reviewing the boundaries of Sedgemoor District Council's electoral wards, along with the number of district councillors required. More...

Burns Night celebrated in town
KILTS, bagpipes and haggis were the order of the day when members of Burnham-On-Sea's Avenue Tennis Club celebrated Burns Night at the weekend. The popular event attracted dozens of people to the club for an evening of traditional Scottish entertainment, which included a traditional meal. More...

MP joins pylons protest march
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Tessa Munt both joined a protest march on Saturday (30th January) to campaign against National Grid's plans to build a huge network of electricity pylons. The proposed route of the pylons crosses two constituency boundaries. More...

Top award for town policewoman
A POPULAR member of Highbridge's police team has today (Monday) been named as one of the region's top police officers. PCSO Gill Bawler has been named 'PCSO Of The Year' for Somerset West in the annual Community Policing Awards. Gill was instrumental in setting up the successful Highbridge Dreamscheme. More...

Haiti collectors raise hundreds
FUNDRAISERS across the Burnham-On-Sea area raised hundreds of pounds towards the Haiti Earthquake Appeal over the weekend. Burnham Lions Club collected in the foyer of the town's Tesco store, raising £376, while a special coffee morning in Brent Knoll raised £495. More...

Air cadets achieve Royal awards
THIS group of air cadets from Burnham-On-Sea and Weston are celebrating after completing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards. The youngsters - all aged between 14 and 17 - achieved seven bronze and two silver awards by dedicating their time to completing various tasks over several months. More...

Contest shows town's got talent!
NINE top local entertainers and musicians battled it out during a talent contest at a Burnham-On-Sea holiday park on Saturday night (January 30th). Lakeside Holiday Park in Westfield Road held the grand final of its Parkstars competition in which the acts entertained a large audience and a panel of judges. More...

In photos: Brean Rally 2010
PETER Lloyd and Graham Handley dominated this year's Brean Rally, winning the event for a second year in a row. The speedy duo, driving an Impreza S12 World Rally Car, finished Sunday's event 42 seconds ahead of David Kynaston and Andy Russell in a Audi A3. Peter said he was "very pleased" with how the weekend had gone. More...

Couple's shock over car drama
Exclusive: The owners of this car got the "shock of their lives" when they found themselves locked out of their vehicle on Brean beach with a fast-incoming tide nearby on Saturday (January 30th). Richard and Jane Roberts, from Street, parked their Renault Scenic on the sands near Brean Cove to take their two dogs for a walk. More...

Local students dazzle at awards
THREE local students from the Burnham-On-Sea area were recognised for their academic achievements at a glittering awards ceremony in Weston this week that was watched by BRIT Award nominee Beth Rowley. They all received awards at a 'Celebration of Success' event, held at the Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare. More...

Talks on to save town markets
Exclusive: Organisers of Highbridge's weekly outdoor markets have begun talks with Sedgemoor District Council to try and secure their future. Burnham-On-Sea.com reported last year how the district council had struck a deal with Market Forces to operate the weekly events on a three month trial basis. More...

Three cars set alight in Mark
POLICE are investigating why three cars were set alight in Mark, near Burnham-On-Sea, late on Thursday night (January 28th). Burnham firefighters rushed to the Kingsway in Mark at 10.21pm and were shocked to find three vehicles well alight. The Incident Commander requested the attendance of a second appliance. More...

Tourist centre meeting - full report
Exclusive coverage: THIS is the new group that was formed on Thursday evening (28th January) to save Burnham-On-Sea's Tourist Information Centre from closure. The new working party - comprising business, council and tourism chiefs - was appointed during a meeting attended by almost 60 people at the Town Council Chambers. More...

Motorist hurt in road accident
THESE were the scenes in East Huntspill this evening (Thursday) after a woman was cut free from a vehicle that crashed into a ditch. Police, ambulance and three fire crews were called to New Road, close to the entrance to Secret World, at 7.38pm. A female casualty inside a blue Chevrolet Kalos was suffering from neck pain. More...

Woman arrested in murder probe
A 27 year-old Highbridge woman has been arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice by police officers dealing with the investigation into the murder of Burnham-On-Sea man George Lawson (pictured) on Christmas Eve. A police spokesman said she had been released on police bail, pending further enquiries. More...

£10k cost of removing pool revealed
THE cost to the tax payer of removing Burnham-On-Sea’s beach paddling pool will be almost £10,000, it was revealed by Sedgemoor District Council on Thursday (January 28th). We reported in December that the council had made the decision to remove the crumbling pool – mainly due to health and safety concerns. More...

Princess bidders to be revealed
Exclusive: The future of Burnham-On-Sea’s Princess Hall will take a step forward next week when the list of firms in the running to take over it will be revealed. Sedgemoor District Council is expected to announce the firms who have submitted bids as part of the commercial competition to manage it. More...

'Green' travel award for Sanders
STAFF at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll are celebrating this week after hearing the garden centre has been recognised for its sustainable travel initiatives. Mark Horler, Deputy Manager, accepted a Smarter Travel Management Award from Somerset County Council's transport team. More...

Yellow peril for seafront drivers!
SOMERSET County Council's highways team has this week launched a high-profile project to disuade motorists from stopping to load or unload along parts of Burnham's seafront. Hundreds of new yellow vertical stripes have been painted along The Esplanade's kerbs to warn about parking restrictions. More..

In photos: Town marks Holocaust
A SHORT service took place next to Highbridge's Frank Foley Statue in Market Street on Wednesday (January 27th) to commemorate World Holocaust Day. The service was conducted by the Hope Baptist Church Minister Reverend Andrew Jackson, assisted by Reverend Christine Judson of St John's Church Highbridge. More..

Tourist centre meeting tonight
A WORKING party of local tourism bosses is to be formed tonight (Thursday 28th January) when talks to save Burnham-On-Sea's Tourist Information Centre from closure get underway. The new group is expected to be created at a meeting to be held in the council chambers at 7pm. More...

Man jailed over teenage sex
A HIGHBRIDGE man has been jailed for having sex with a 15-year-old girl he met using a mobile phone text messaging service. The matter only came to light when the girl visited Brian O'Sullivan, 23, of Vardy Court, last year and missed her train home to Wales - prompting a visit by a member of her family. More..

Hairdresser's family thank public
THE family of a popular Burnham-On-Sea hairdresser who was attacked earlier this month have thanked the public for their support. Peter Noad, owner of Peter's Hair Stylists on Cross Street, was taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol after suffering serious head injuries on January 14th. More..

Aladdin opens in town on Friday
FINAL rehearsals are underway for Burnham-On-Sea's annual pantomime, which opens to the public on Friday (January 29th). Burnham and District Panto Society will be performing Aladdin at The Princess in Burnham until February 6th. Performances are being held at 7pm and 3pm. More..

Illegal pub staff found by police
SECURITY investigators have this week joined local police in carrying out a check of door staff working at pubs and clubs in Burnham-On-Sea and Brean. The operation was conducted after police had received intelligence that door staff were working illegally in the area. More...

Wind farm boss defends plans
Exclusive: THE boss of green energy company Ecotricity has this week defended his plans to build a new wind farm on land at West Huntspill, near Burnham-On-Sea. Dozens of residents attended a public meeting where Ecotricity formally unveiled its plans to construct five wind turbines on land next to Pawlett Road. More...

Council tax freeze for Burnham
COUNCIL tax bills look set to be frozen in the Burnham-On-Sea area as Somerset County Council seeks to cut £40m from its spending over the next year. The proposals announced on Tuesday (January 26th) are due to be discussed at the County Council's next Cabinet meeting in February. More...

Funeral takes place for George
A BURNHAM-On-Sea church was filled with mourners on Monday afternoon (January 25th) when the funeral took place of George Lawson, the 20-year-old who was murdered in the town on Christmas Eve. The service took place at St Andrew's Church with a huge congregation. More...

Motor fans head to Brean Rally
BIG crowds of motor racing fans are expected to converge on Brean this weekend when more than 70 rally teams take part in the village's annual car rally. Brean Leisure Park will host the popular K&R Mitsubishi Stages Rally on Saturday January 30th and Sunday January 31st. More...

Motorist causes town disruption
Exclusive: A BUSY road in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea was closed for a second day on Monday (January 25th) after resurfacing work was held up by a motorist who ignored warning signs and parked their vehicle along the street. Businesses along Adam Street suffered a second day of disruption due to the roadworks. More...

Brean golf expansion proposals
A NEW golf clubhouse and 12 new jobs are set to be created at Brean Leisure Park. The owners have submitted a planning application to Sedgemoor District Council to renew an existing proposal for the leisure site - a single-storey golf clubhouse featuring a bar, dining area and club shop. More...

New dance classes start in town
A NEW series of dance and fitness classes for children and adults has launched in Burnham-On-Sea this month. DanceFit is a new venture run by qualified dance and fitness professional Victoria Roberts. The firm offers 'Boogie Babies' and 'Boogie Boppers' classes plus more. More...

NHS chief visits town hospital
TONY Deahl, Chairman of the Friends of Burnham-On-Sea's War Memorial Hospital, was joined by Ian Tipney, the Chief Executive of NHS Somerset, for a special visit to the facilities this week as the hospital's £740,000 refurbishment continues to progress well. He saw the facilities. More...

Rotarians raise £620 for Haiti
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club raised more than £600 for people affected by this month’s earthquake in Haiti last week. The volunteers were at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll to help raise funds to send out 'ShelterBoxes' to the homeless in the quake-affected areas of Haiti. More...

Pool set to re-open this week
A HUGE £56,000 project to replace every tile in Burnham-On-Sea's swimming pool has been completed and the facilities are scheduled to re-open this Thursday (January 28th). Burnham Swim and Sports Academy's pool in Berrow Road has been closed since mid-December and final work is now underway for this week's re-opening. More...

Tourist centre group to be formed
A WORKING party of local tourism bosses is to be formed later this week as talks to save Burnham-On-Sea's Tourist Information Centre from closure get underway. The new group is expected to be created at a meeting this Thursday evening (28th January) when it is held at the town council chambers. More...

Top accolade for St John cadet
A St John Ambulance cadet from Burnham-On-Sea became Somerset's Cadet Of The Year on Sunday (January 24th). Sixteen year-old Lucy Westlake competed against eleven other cadets from across Somerset during a selection event held at the South West Ambulance Station in Taunton. More...

Poor start to town fishing season
THESE two cod were the only fish reeled in by more than 20 anglers during Burnham-On-Sea's first sea fishing competition of the year on Sunday (January 24th). Organised by Burnham Boat Owners Association, the event was well attended by a flotilla of ten boats. More..

Woman injured in A38 accident
A FEMALE motorist was rushed to hospital with suspected spinal and neck injuries following an accident in Rooksbridge, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Sunday morning (January 24th). Four fire engines plus police and ambulance crews, were called to the A38 at 6.55am after a car collided with a tree. More...

Cars seized by Highbridge police
Exclusive: HIGHBRIDGE police have seized five cars and made four arrests in their continuing fight against drug dealing and anti-social use of motor vehicles in the town. The figures were revealed by Sgt Ian Kennett of Burnham Police at the latest Highbridge PACT (Police and Communities Together) meeting. More..

Burnham restaurant shuts down
Exclusive: A RESTAURANT and bistro in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea has shut down after falling victim to a downturn in trade. Crowdy's Bistro in College Street closed after its owners, Sam and Steven Crowden, pulled the plug on the business. The site was previously home to French's cafe, which shut in December 2008. More..

Carnival awards night in photos
OVER 120 people from carnival clubs across Somerset gathered for Burnham-On-Sea's annual carnival presentation ceremony on Friday evening (January 22nd). The event, held at Brean Leisure Park, saw more than 40 trophies and cups handed to the winners of last November's procession by Carnival Queen Jessica Rogers. More..

Cyclists pedal for quake victims
A GROUP of 20 Burnham-On-Sea cyclists got on their bikes to raise cash for Haiti's earthquake victims on Friday evening (January 22nd). 88 year-old pensioner Arthur Gilbert was among the group of West Country Triathletes taking part in the fundraising event at King Alfred Sports Centre in Highbridge. More..

RNLI hold fundraising car wash
VOLUNTEERS at Burnham-On-Sea lifeboat station will be holding a fundraising car wash on Saturday January 23rd and Saturday February 6th. Payment will be by donation, and the fundraisers will also be selling refreshments during the event at the RNLI station in Pier Street. More..

Three awards for tourist centre
PRAISE has been showered on the tourist information centre based at Sedgemoor Services on the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea, after it scooped three prestigious awards. The centre, run by Somerset County Council, has been ranked ninth out of 302 Tourist Information Centres. More...

CCTV plans receive £3k boost
Exclusive: PROPOSALS to introduce a new CCTV camera in the centre of Highbridge have been given a boost this week following the donation of £3,000 to the project. Highbridge County Councillor John Woodman handed over the money from his county council community fund to Sgt Ian Kennett, watched by Jason Adams. More...

'Sort out mud-clogged play area'
SCORES of parents and children are unhappy that a brand new £140,000 play area which opened in Highbridge last month has been turned into a muddy quagmire and are calling for action from the district council. The long-awaited revamp of Apex Park’s play area was completed last month. More..

Busy 24 hours for town fire crew
FIREFIGHTERS rushed to Burnham-On-Sea hospital on Thursday morning (January 21st) after several fire alarms sounded. One engine was called to the War Memorial Hospital in Love Lane at 8.20am to investigate, but it all turned out to be a false alarm - press spokesman Paul Slavin told Burnham-On-Sea.com. More..

Subway store opened in town
FAST food giant Subway has opened its new High Street store in Burnham-On-Sea this morning (Thursday, January 21st). The business opened to the public at 21 The High Street following a £140,000 investment by Burnham-On-Sea franchise holder Mike Bond and his son Lee. More...

Burnham gym gets a new look
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea gym has started the new year with a £50,000 refurbishment. The first phase of Fit 4 All's modernisation, which was completed last week, consists of the replacement and upgrade of all the resistance and strength equipment at the Love Lane facilities. More...

Anger over boundary proposals
Exclusive: A TOWN councillor has expressed his shock at "misguided" proposals to split up the boundary lines between council seats across the Burnham-On-Sea area. Cllr Chris Williams believes the initial proposals from the UK Boundary Committee have not been properly considered. More...

MP's fears for hospital funding
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP this week demanded that hospital charity donations must not become regarded as part of general NHS budgets. David Heathcoat-Amory made the comments during a debate in the House of Commons, where he drew attention to Burnham Hospital. More...

Residents raise funds for Haiti
FUNDRAISERS across the Burnham-On-Sea area are rallying round to raise money for those affected by last week's devastating earthquake in Haiti. Members of Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club will be at Sanders Garden World on Thursday (January 21st) and Friday (January 22nd). More...

Jail break in Burnham-On-Sea!
BURNHAM-On-Sea police station will be the centre of a jail break next money to help raise money for a Weston charity. The event, in aid of Weston Hospicecare, takes place on February 27th and 28th with the aim being to get as far away from Burnham as possible within 24 hours. More...

Historic seafront hotel on sale
AN historic seafront hotel in Burnham-On-Sea has gone on sale with a guide price of £750,000. The Royal Clarence at 31, The Esplanade has gone on sale due to the ill health of its owners. The property was Burnham-On-Sea's first hotel and is believed to have been built in 1796. More...

New cycle route moves closer
Exclusive: A new cycle route between Brean and Weston-super-Mare moved a step closer this week when council planners gave approval to the path. Sedgemoor District Council approved the renewal of a planning application for a change of use of land at Diamond Farm in Brean for it to become part of the national cycle network. More...

Bins service returning to normal
SOMERSET Waste Partnership is continuing to catch up on missed waste and recycling collections in the Burnham-On-Sea area following the recent cold snap. The group's contractor, May Gurney, is putting all available resources into catching up with the backlog and gave us the latest situation. More...

Fashion show tickets go on sale
HUNDREDS of bargain hunters are expected to coverge on King Alfred School in Highbridge on Tuesday February 9th when an annual fashion show and sale is held. Organised by Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club and the Inner Wheel Club, the event will raise money for several local charities. More...

Carnival club appeals for helpers
BURNHAM-On-Sea's carnival club is seeking volunteers with electrical and mechanical experience to help out with this year's float. Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club won its class during the 2009 season with its 'Gee Wizz' entry and now it needs new helpers as work begins on its new float for 2010. More...

Berrow crash victim is named
THE victim of Sunday morning's head-on crash in Berrow, near Burnham-On-Sea, has been named by police. Eighty year-old Bryan Green, from Brean, died when his car, a Honda Civic, collided with a Land Rover Discovery in Barton Road at 10.44am. Police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene. More...

Hairdresser remains in hospital
A WELL-known Burnham-On-Sea hairdresser is continuing to be treated in hospital for head injuries following an incident in the town last week. Peter Noad, who runs Peter's Hair Stylists in Cross Street, was taken to Frenchay Hospital following what police called a "serious domestic incident." More...

Young trade testers sought
VOLUNTEERS aged between 14 and 16 are being sought in the Burnham-On-Sea area by Somerset County Council's Trading Standards team to help enforce laws relating to the underage sale of age-restricted products such as cigarettes, alcohol and fireworks. Youngsters are needed for the checks. More...

New Burnham book launched
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has this week been presented with a new book featuring the colourful history of the town's community centre in Berrow Road. Written by Veronica Richardson, the archivist of Burnham's University of the Third Age, the book was handed to the MP. More...

Tessa visits Burnham PC group
LIBERAL Democrat parliamentary candidate Tessa Munt visited the Burnham Area Youth Centre during one of the group's regular computer sessions on Friday (January 15th). She also was given a tour of the building and heard about the various clubs that use it. More...

Motorist killed in crash horror
A MOTORIST was killed in a horror crash in Berrow, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Sunday morning (January 17th). A Land Rover Discovery and a Honda Civic collided head-on in Barton Road, as pictured above, just before 11am. Police, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the scene, including an air ambulance. More...

Council tackles road potholes
TWENTY five specialist pothole teams are being deployed by Somerset County Council to tackle potholes after the end of the big freeze. One effect of the icy weather is to raise the surface of the road slightly and when the freeze ends, the road's foundations return to their level. More...

Hotel unveils expansion plans
A HOTEL near Burnham-On-Sea is set to grow if council planners approve its expansion plans. The Fox and Goose Inn on the Bristol Road in Brent Knoll has submitted a planning application for a two-storey extension. If approved, the new wing would form additional bedrooms. More...

Brean rally ready to roar again!
THE smell of burning rubber and the sound of screeching tyres will be in the air at Brean later this month when dozens of teams take part in the village's annual car rally. Brean Leisure Park will host the popular two-day K&R Mitsubishi Stages Rally on January 30th and 31st. More...

Safety sessions for tourist firms
SEDGEMOOR District Council will be holding a free training event for caravan and holiday park operators in the Burnham-On-Sea area on health and safety issues. The event, on March 2nd at Brean Leisure Park, is being organised by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). More...

Man seriously hurt in attack
A MAN aged in his 60s was today (Friday) in hospital with serious injuries following an assault in Burnham-On-Sea. It comes after officers rushed to a "serious domestic incident" in Jaycroft Road at 4.40pm on Thursday. Police said a man was taken to Frenchay Hospital. More...

Arrest after bus shelter attack
A MAN has been arrested following an attack on this bus shelter in Highbridge on Friday (January 15th). The 48 year-old was arrested after a tip-off from residents when a window in the Bank Street shelter was smashed. The man was charged with criminal damage. More...

RSPB bird watch flies into town
STAFF at a garden centre near Burnham-On-Sea are this month backing the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds' (RSPB) latest campaign to record sightings of gardeners' feathered friends.
The team at Sanders Garden World are supporting the Big Garden Birdwatch. More...

£50k pool project nears completion
A MAJOR £50,000 project to replace every tile in Burnham-On-Sea's swimming pool is nearing completion this week. The refurbishment of Burnham Swim and Sports Academy's pool in Berrow Road started last December and is on track to be completed later this month despite several setbacks. More...

Long service award for PCSO
A BURNHAM-On-Sea police officer has been presented with a long service award this week after 22 years on the beat. Inspector Roger Tolley presented PCSO Andy Dancy with his Police Long Service Ribband. Andy has been a dedicated servant to the public in Sedgemoor for the past 22 years. More...

Road closure delayed by snow
A TWO week closure of a busy route between Burnham-On-Sea and Berrow has been postponed due to the wintry weather. Somerset County Council had announced that Berrow Road would be shut to all traffic from Monday January 11th between Links Gardens and Ash Tree Road. More...

New D-Day for tourist centre
THE future of Burnham-On-Sea’s Tourist Information Centre looks set to be decided at a new meeting being held later this month. Last week's wintry weather led to the postponement of a meeting in Burnham, but the rearranged meeting will be held on Thursday 28th January at 7pm in the town council chambers in Jaycroft Road. More...

Holocaust Day event to be held
A SHORT service will take place next to Highbridge's Frank Foley Statue in Market Street on 27th January to commemorate World Holocaust Day. The service at 12 noon will be conducted by the Hope Baptist Minister Reverend Andrew Jackson, assisted by Reverend Christine Judson of St. John's Church Highbridge. More...

Subway to open next week
FAST food giant Subway will open its new High Street store in Burnham-On-Sea next week. The sandwich shop will open to the public during the week commencing January 18th, it confirmed. Subway franchise holder Mike Bond told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Final work to renovate the building is underway." More...

Three arrests after burglary
POLICE made three arrests in Highbridge on Tuesday (January 12th) after an alleged assault and burglary at a home in the town. Police were called to Worston Lane at just before 2pm on Monday following a break-in and an alleged attack on an occupant. Three from the West Midlands were later arrested. More...

Fire drama in Berrow
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea and Bridgwater were called to tackle a garage blaze in Berrow on Tuesday evening (January 12th). Two fire engines from Burnham and a water carrier from Bridgwater were sent to Monkstone Drive at 9.15pm. On arrival, the crews confirmed the garage was well alight. More...

Calendar cash for Coast Road
THIS colourful calendar is helping to raise hundreds of pounds towards Berrow's campaign for a much-needed path alongside a busy road. Hundreds of copies of the 2010 calendar have been sold to help finance the long-running battle for a new path alongside Coast Road. More...

Snow path cleared on seafront
A GROUP of residents has used shovels, brooms and sacks of grit to clear a pathway through the snow and ice along Burnham-On-Sea's Esplanade. Many walkers have been unable to safely use the seafront following last week's heavy snowfall, which left it in a treacherous condition. More...

Students raise £3k for charities
SIXTH form students at Highbridge's King Alfred School raised more than £3,000 during their recent Rag Week and have this week handed over the funds to local good causes - Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance, Guide Dogs for the Blind and BIBIC. One student, Millie Taylor, who helped oversee the event, met representatives to present their shares of the money. More...

Irish acoustic band in Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Ritz Acoustic Club will play host to popular Irish acoustic rock group The FOS Brothers later this month. Featuring Belfast-born brothers Dave and Sam McCrory, plus West Country percussionist Rom Dobbs, the band were a hit at Burnham's FolkFest 2008 and 2009. More...

Man in court over town murder
A 23 year-old Burnham-On-Sea man appeared in court today (Monday) accused of the murder of a 20 year-old on Christmas Eve. Adam Lapthorne appeared at Exeter Crown Court accused of the murder of George Lawson, 20, (pictured) of Abingdon Street, Burnham. More...

Big Freeze disruption eases
LIFE began to return to normal across Burnham-On-Sea on Monday (January 11th) as the big freeze showed signs of easing. While scores of schools across Somerset remain closed for a third successive day, those in the Burnham-On-Sea area were all re-open. More...

Council in compensation claim
BURNHAM-On-Sea is to make a bid for financial compensation from the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) following its decision last year not to award the town £750,000 of funding towards the modernisation of the town centre. He added that Somerset County Council did not want to deliver the Civic Pride scheme. More...

Your photos of Burnham's snow
HEAVY snow has blanketed Burnham-On-Sea with a layer of the white stuff. Burnham-On-Sea.com's readers and contributors have been out across the area, capturing the scenes and fun on film. This special photo gallery records some of the wintry weather across the Burnham area. More...

Burnham charity's snow relief work
VOLUNTEERS from Burnham-On-Sea rescue hovercraft charity BARB have been helping carers and ambulance crews to reach patients across Somerset during the severe weather. On Wednesday, BARB's 4x4 trucks were used to transport a local doctor and a community nurse on their rounds. More...

Police return stolen bicycles
TEN stolen bicycles that were seized by Burnham-On-Sea police last month went on show on Saturday (January 9th) as officers tried to reunite the bikes with their rightful owners. The bikes went on display during a special open day held at Burnham Police Station during the day. More...

Amy celebrates birthday in style!
A BURNHAM-On-Sea teenager celebrated her sixteenth birthday in style this week with a special performance by a top music group. Amy Stacey's birthday, held at Lakeside Holiday Park, followed the format of MTV's Super Sweet Sixteen Party. Mother Karen organised for top music group KIG to perform at the event. More...

MP raises pylons in Commons
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP raised controversial proposals to build a new line of electricity pylons across the Somerset Levels pylons in the House of Commons on Thursday (January 7th). David Heathcoat-Amory's question was answered by David Kidney, an energy minister. More...

Clock donations may be returned
THOUSANDS of pounds of money donated towards the cost of repairing Highbridge Town Clock will have to be returned in three months' time unless the work goes ahead in the meantime. Town Clerk Eileen Shaw revealed £2,000 may have to be returned in April. More...

Car and house damaged in blaze
THIS car was destroyed in a blaze in Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday afternoon (January 7th). Fire crews from Burnham and Bridgwater rushed to the scene in Martins Close at 3.35pm. As the crews arrived they found the fire had started to spread to two nearby bungalows. More...

Council welcomes YMCA move
TOWN councillors have this week welcomed the news that a council-run home which provides emergency accomodation for homeless people and families in Highbridge is to be transferred to the YMCA. Duncan Harvey of Sedgemoor District Council discussed the plans at the latest council meeting. More...

Snow-covered Burnham from above
Exclusive Photos: These stunning photos of Burnham-On-Sea were shot by an aerial photographer on Thursday (January 7th). Jeff Thomas took the 'birds eye' photographs of the wintry Burnham area from a microlight 1,500 feet above the town. "It was a stunning view," he told Burnham-On-Sea.com. More...

Railway bridge shut by black ice
TREACHEROUS black ice prompted police and highways bosses to closed this usually busy bridge in Highbridge on Thursday evening (January 7th). With temperatures plunging to minus seven degrees Centigrade, the bridge besides Highbridge Railway Station was shut temporarily. More...

Anger over dumped body of fox
WILDLIFE carers at Secret World Wildlife Rescue near Burnham-On-Sea were shocked to find the body of this dead fox had been dumped on their doorstep on Wednesday (January 6th). Its tail had been cut off, a hunting tradition, and it had been stamped on, according to the charity's Pauline Kidner. More...

Heavy snow hits Burnham
HEAVY snow swept into Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge on Wednesday (January 6th), closing schools and leaving slippery conditions for motorists. Pavements and roads were again left in a dangerous state as several inches of snow fell on the town - closing many schools. More...

Car destroyed in 'suspicious' fire
Exclusive: ONE fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was called to tackle this dramatic car blaze in West Huntspill on Tuesday evening (January 5th). Firefighters used a water jet to extinguish the fire on the A38 Main Road, but the vehicle could not be saved from being destroyed. More...

Shock over £50k roof repairs
REPAIRS to the roof of Burnham and Highbridge Town Council's roof will cost over £50,000 it emerged this week. Cllr Dennis Davey told a town council meeting on Monday evening that that the roof of the main Council Chamber needs to be replaced and modernised - but at a cost of £53,500. More...

Awards for Xmas lights winners
THE winning entries in Burnham and Highbridge's annual Christmas lights competition received their awards this week. A panel of judges from the town council toured both towns during December to decide on the best Christmas lighting displays and on Monday, the winners received their awards. More...

Snow flurries sweep into Burnham
SNOW flurries swept into Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge on Tuesday (January 5th), blanketing the area and leaving slippery conditions for motorists. Pavements and roads were again left in a dangerous state as the wintry snap continued. Police warned motorists to take extra care. More...

Police seek to return stolen bikes
POLICE want to reunite stolen bikes with their rightful owners in the Burnham-On-Sea area. It comes after officers seized 15 bikes from a property in Burnham last month following a search. The bikes were identified as having been stolen and, although five have already been reunited with their owners, ten are still waiting unclaimed. More...

Hospital refurb nears completion
THE latest phase of Burnham-On-Sea hospital's £740,000 refurbishment has been completed over the past week. A new men's ward, The Arnold Pople Ward, is now occupied and the new Ward Entrance and Nurses' Station (pictured right) is also operational. Within a few days the hospital kitchen will be moving to a new location. More...

Thirteen groups receive cash boost
THIRTEEN groups and clubs from across the Burnham-On-Sea area have begun 2010 with a financial boost, thanks to the town council. Representatives from each of the organisations were handed cheques by Mayor Derick Cooper on Monday evening (January 4th). More...

Ice safety alert issued for area
CONTINUING icy weather has frozen lakes, rivers and ponds across the Burnham-On-Sea area, prompting a safety warning from Somerset fire brigade. These were the scenes at Apex Park in Highbridge on Monday (January 4th) as temperatures sank to minus 7 degrees Centigrade overnight. More...

Young tennis player impresses
A YOUNG Burnham-On-Sea tennis player has been praised after coming runner-up in a regional tennis tournament. Johnnie Bougourd, 7, is the newest member of Burnham-On-Sea's Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy and competed in the annual David Lloyd Tournament. More...

Row breaks out over pylons
A ROW has broken out in Burnham-On-Sea over controversial plans to build a new line of 150ft tall electricity pylons across the Somerset countryside. Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Tessa Munt has expressed her "deep disappointment" that MP David Heathcoat-Amory did not bring up the matter when he spoke in parliament last week. More...

Icy weather causes accidents
ICY road conditions led to two serious accidents in the Burnham-On-Sea area on Saturday morning (January 2nd). The A38 through Pawlett was closed for several hours after an accident, caused by black ice, blocked the road. Police, fire and ambulance crews from Burnham were at the scene during Saturday. More...

Burnham panto tickets on sale
TICKETS have gone on sale for Burnham-On-Sea's annual pantomime. The Burnham and District Panto Society will be performing Aladdin at The Princess Hall in Burnham town centre from Friday January 29th to Saturday February 6th. Evening performances will be held at 7pm and 3pm each day. More...

Recycle Xmas trees for charity
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea can have their Christmas tree collected and recycled while raising money for a good cause. Well-known Burnham-On-Sea charity fundraiser Keith Mitchell is organising the tree recycling service in aid of Scope, a UK disability organisation. More...

Your guide to 2010 in Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea.com wishes all its readers a happy and prosperous 2010. With a brand new year upon us, we've gathered together all the key dates of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge's leading events for the next twelve months so you can update your new diary and calendar. More..