Published: September 13, 2012
Petition calls for Burnham jetty safety changes after Dylan Cecil tragedy

Over 250 people have joined an online campaign to make Burnham-On-Sea's jetty and beach safer following last month's tragedy in which four year-old Dylan Cecil died.

A Facebook page called 'Make Burnham-On-Sea safe for our children' includes a petition calling for safety improvements following Dylan's death on August 19th when he fell into the sea from the jetty, sparking a huge search operation.

The petition is addressed to Sedgemoor District Council and MP Tessa Munt. It requests: "The signatories on this petition believe that safety in Burnham-On-Sea is of paramount importance given the tragic death of Dylan Cecil and action needs to be taken sooner rather than later before another innocent life is taken from us. Suggestions from the public as detailed below need to be taken seriously and acted upon now."

The proposals on the petition include fencing off the jetty with gates at both ends and for it to be only used by lifeboats and other rescue services.

The petition also calls for improved warning signs since, it claims "the current signs are shameful."

It goes on to request that "children need a compelling reason not to wander towards the jetty, mud area and unclear waters to play - Burnham needs a replacement paddling pool where parents can better monitor their kids. Bring back activities on the beach like those on other UK beaches, including swing-boats and trampolines."

Meanwhile, Sedgemoor District Council - which owns the jetty - is continuing its internal investigation into the tragedy. The council's Health and Safety Officer, Derrick Cox, is pictured examining the jetty after the accident.

Claire Faun, Corporate Relations Manager at Sedgemoor District Council, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: There are many warning signs along the beach, The Esplanade and on the jetty hut. Beach safety leaflets are distributed. Sedgemoor District Council is satisfied that all their procedures were followed correctly. As with all tragic accidents of this nature, Sedgemoor District Council is carrying out an internal review to establish all relevant information."