Published: August 5, 2009
Anger grows over 'neglected' Burnham-On-Sea beach pool

The "disgracefully neglected" condition of Burnham-On-Sea's beach boating pool has this week been attacked by a senior town councillor.

Sedgemoor District Council has been criticised by Councillor Neville Jones for allowing the state of the familiar Burnham landmark to deteriorate.

The concrete base of the structure is falling apart, as pictured here, and the pool itself has recently been empty due to leaks.

Cllr Jones told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The pool is being run into the ground by Sedgemoor. It is a disgrace that it is being neglected in this way."

"The pool is as much a part of Burnham's seafront as the jetty and has been a part of our beach scene here for over 80 years."

"We need traditional family attractions like this in Burnham. The district council owns the pool and should be spending money to preserve it and keep it properly maintained."

A spokesman for the district council said this week it is aware of the pool's condition and blamed shifting sand for the problems.

Anna Hardman, Sedgemoor's Public Protection Manager, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "The council is currently considering the boating pool, its usage and condition, alongside other issues caused by moving sand on the beach."

The comments have for the first time raised concerns that the council may be considering removing the pool altogether.

The pool was built in the 1920s after being given to the town by a Burnham family - the Braithwaites - who wanted it to permanently mark the return of their five sons from the first world war.

One frequent visitor to the beach, Jill Harding, said in an email to Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: "The condition of the pool is very poor considering it's the height of the tourist season. It has been in a poor condition for years, but is worse now than ever before."

"Something needs to be done or it may further crack apart over the winter. I also question whether it is safe for the district council to be allowing beach users to walk over cracked concrete slabs like these."

Meanwhile, the Town Council has been making enquiries with North Somerset Council in recent weeks about how the similar boating pool on the beach at Weston is maintained and financed.

That information is set to be used to further step up pressure on the district council to make the much-needed repairs.

What's your view? Should more be done to preserve Burnham's beach paddling pool? Let us know your thoughts here.