Published: June 9, 2009
Anger over regeneration 'snub' for Burnham-On-Sea

Furious Burnham-On-Sea regeneration bosses and residents have reacted with anger to the news that the town is not to receive a single penny of funding from the South West Regional Development Agency over the next two years.

Burnham-On-Sea.com reported on Monday how SWRDA had announced the line-up of regeneration schemes across the region which will share £260million of funding - but Burnham's Civic Pride project was not on the list.

A statement released by the agency on Monday morning, referring to Burnham, stated simply: "The RDA has invested some funding in the initial feasibility and study work for this proposed public realm improvement project. In line with our policy decision set out earlier on 'public realm' investments, we will not provide any further funding."

Burnham councillor Neville Jones called the decision a "disgrace" and told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Matched funding of £750,000 was promised to Burnham many years ago."

"We have been waiting in the queue longer than any other town, so we feel terribly let down."

He has written to SWRDA outlining why the money is urgently needed for the town centre's Civic Pride scheme.

"Burnham has lost out again to Weston, Bridgwater and Taunton - and we're not going to let it lie."

Sedgemoor District Council spokeswoman Claire Faun told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Sedgemoor District Council is extremely disappointed that the Civic Pride Programme in Burnham has been a casualty of the regional cuts. This programme has been evolving since 2002 and it is deeply frustrating for the Council and the local community that the funding to implement the plans has been withdrawn at this important stage."

Burnham's MP, David Heathcoat-Amory, also attacked the decision and said he would be taking up the matter in Parliament, as reported here.

Our picture shows Counillor Neville Jones and other residents who are unhappy at the decision to withdraw funding for Burnham-On-Sea regeneration.