Published: November 9, 2011
Olympic torch won't visit Burnham-On-Sea or Highbridge after all

Hopes that the Olympic Flame would come through Burnham-On-Sea or Highbridge next year have been dashed with the unveiling of the official route this week.

The Olympic torch is due to arrive in the UK from Greece on 18th May 2012 and will visit Taunton on 21st May and Bristol on 22nd May as part of its tour around the UK.

There was growing optimism that the torch might travel through Highbridge, along the A38 on its way to Bristol.

However, the route announced this week shows it will travel from Taunton to Bristol via Street, Glastonbury, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Frome and Bath.

Burnham's Mayor, Michael Clarke, told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: "It is a great disappointment that the Olympic torch will not come through Burnham or Highbridge."

"It's a shame for those local people nominated to be torch bearers would have loved to hold the torch here in our area."

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council had discussed holding a special celebration to mark the occasion of the flame coming through the town.