Published: November 17, 2008
Clean-up gets underway at fire-ravaged former Highbridge Hotel

Work to clean up the site of the fire-hit Highbridge Hotel has begun during the last week.

At the request of the town and district councils, litter and debris outside the front of the former hotel has been removed, as pictured here, and new signs warning trespassers to keep out have been introduced.

The work comes after property owner Derek Mead met with Sedgemoor District Council's Corporate Director Doug Bamsey and members of the Regeneration Partnership earlier this month when Mr Mead said the renovation work would start soon.

Town clerk Eileen Shaw said nearby residents were concerned about the "unsightly" state of the building, which had been blighted by "fly posting and large amounts of rubbish."

The property was left in an unstable condition following a huge fire in April and has been boarded up ever since. Mr Mead told Burnham-On-Sea.com in September that he wants to restore the listed building to its former glory.