Published: January 11, 2009
Campaign launched to encourage coaches back into Burnham-On-Sea

A new campaign to encourage coach companies to bring more visitors to Burnham-on-Sea town centre - instead of other local attractions - is to be launched at a meeting in the town later this month.

Several town centre firms have expressed concerns about the falling number of coaches visiting Burnham in recent years, which has in turn hit the number of shoppers.

They say other local attractions, such as Sanders Garden World at Brent Knoll, have benefited at the town's expense by attracting coach companies.

Burnham's Chamber Of Trade is set to consider launching a new scheme to encourage coach firms to drop off more visitors at the free coach park in the town's Somerfield car park, pictured above, where there is easy access to High Street shops.

Alex Turco, Chairman of the Chamber of Trade, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "A number of members have expressed concerns about the reduction in coaches visiting Burnham."

"It is proposed that businesses affected by this should work together to offer an incentive scheme to coach drivers to encourage them back into the town in order to boost visitor numbers and hence trade."

The proposals will be discussed at a meeting of the Chamber, which is open to all Burnham businesses and their staff, on Thursday January 22nd at 6pm in the upstairs function room at the Somerset & Dorset pub.

Also speaking at the meeting will be Simon Dunford of EDF Energy regarding Hinkley Point expansion, Harley Cook of Sedgemoor District Council regarding the restoration of Marine Cove, and Dawn Catlow of Apples & Oranges regarding marketing during a recession. There will also be a talk about Burnham's online shopping guide here.

Pictured above is the empty coach parking area near Pier Street in Burnham, which traders hope will be full again over the coming months

RELATED LINKS:

Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade