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Burnham-On-Sea January 2008 News Archive

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New health centre plans on show
DETAILED plans for a major new multi-million pound medical centre in Berrow were on show for the first time at a special open evening in the village on Wednesday (January 30th). Dozens of residents attended the meeting in Berrow Village Hall to hear more about the proposed Berrow Health Campus in Brent Road. More...

Concern over car park sell-off
A HIGHBRIDGE councillor has hit out at Sedgemoor District Council's plans to sell off Bank Street Car Park in the centre of the town. Cllr Joe Leach's comments come after the cash-strapped district council this week advertised the car park (pictured) for sale. More...

Highbridge hotel boarded up
AN historic Highbridge hotel which was once a key landmark in the town has been boarded up and could be derelict for several months. The Highbridge Inn on the A38 is a listed building seen by thousands of motorists every day as they travel through the town. More...

Appeal for new Morris Men
FIFTEEN thousand people across Somerset will receive an invitation to learn the traditional Morris Dance in an initiative by a Brent Knoll based group of Chalice Morris Men. The invitations will be delivered by the Royal Mail to homes in North Somerset in February. More...

Hundreds to attend auction
MORE than 200 tickets have already been sold for a charity auction being held in Highbridge this Friday (February 1st) to raise funds for a tennis academy, The Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy, set up in memory of a young tennis player who died last November. More...

Seafront pub loses planning bid
THE owners of a seafront pub in Burnham-On-Sea have lost their bid to keep a controversial raised decking area outside their premises. Sedgemoor planners claimed last year that Chaplins on The Esplanade had breached planning regulations by installing new patio doors and a raised decking area. More...

Seldom-seen duck at Apex
A SELDOM-seen species of duck has been turning heads at Apex Leisure Park in Highbridge this week. The Greater Scaup is not rare to Northern Europe, but is fairly unusual to this part of the country - and has been attracting the interest of bird watchers. More...

Top award for salon manager
A BURNHAM-On-Sea hairdresser has recently been recognised by the Business Enterprise Centre at Weston College for her work-based training achievements. Rebecca Lester, 20, who manages Waves & Shaves, was presented with an Outstanding Apprentice award. More...

Vandals attack Marine Cove again
SEAFRONT shelters in Burnham-On-Sea have again been attacked by vandals for the second time in a month. This was the scene that greeted shocked seafront walkers on Monday (January 28th) after vandals caused more damage over the weekend, breaking windows and leaving shards of glass over the seats. More...

MP takes pool fight to council
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has met bosses at Sedgemoor District Council to help the campaign to save the town's closure-threatened swimming pool. David Heathcoat-Amory met Council Leader Duncan McGinty and Chief Executive Kerry Rickards. More...

Arctic explorers train with BARB
TWO Arctic explorers who hope to be the first to travel to the North Pole in a hovercraft have this week begun training alongside the crew of Burnham-On-Sea's rescue hovercrafts. Simon Marshall, from Wembdon, and friend Alex Henney will be attempting the 500-mile expedition. More...

Pilates classes to start in town
A BURNHAM-On-Sea tap dance and jazz teacher who recently became a qualified fitness pilates instructor is to start a series of weekly pilates classes in the town. Victoria Roberts is a member of performing arts group Curtain Call, which is organising the sessions. More...

Active Learning Centre to open
A NEW Active Living Centre for residents over 50 is set to open in Highbridge next week. The facility will launch on Tuesday 5th February at Morland Hall in Pearce Drive and will be hosted by the Stroke Club. The opening ceremony will be held at 10.30am and will include refreshments. More...

Exeter pair win 2008 Brean Rally
DELIGHTED Exeter duo David Kynaston and co-driver Andy Russell won the Brean Rally for the second year running on Sunday afternoon (January 27th). Two days of exciting racing at Brean Leisure Park saw the pair, pictured, cling onto a slender one second lead overnight. More...

Mayor leads Holocaust ceremony
MAYOR Pauline Pollard joined residents besides Highbridge's Frank Foley statue on Sunday (January 27th) to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. A brief ceremony led by the Reverend Robin Lodge, vicar of Highbridge, included prayers and a two minute silence. More...

Crime tips on offer from police
CYCLISTS can have their bikes security marked and discuss crime advice and concerns when Highbridge police hold one of their weekly surgeries in the town's Asda supermarket next weekend. The surgery will be held on Sunday February 3rd from 10.30am-12.30pm. More...

Big crowds watch exciting rally
JUST one second separated the top two cars at the end of an exciting first day of action at the 2008 Brean Rally on Saturday (January 26th). Last year's winners David Kynaston and co-driver Andy Russell were in blistering form in their Audi A3 Quattro and finished the day at the top of the leader board. More...

Vandals target clothes shop
A BURNHAM-On-Sea clothes shop faces a repair bill for hundreds of pounds after vandals attacked it during the early hours of Saturday morning (January 26th). A large window at the front of New Look in the High Street was smashed - although bosses say nothing was stolen. More...

Mayor opens Burnham florist
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Mayor officially helped to open a new business in the town centre on Friday (January 25th). Mayor Pauline Pollard was on hand at the grand opening of Rosemary's Florists in Regent Street - as pictured here. She met the firm's owner and shop staff. More...

'Intrusive' High Street signs must go
Exclusive: A BURNHAM-On-Sea restaurant has this week lost its bid to retain several illuminated signs outside its High Street premises. Burnham Town Council's Planning Committee last year called on the Chandni restaurant at 54 The High Street to remove three illuminated signs outside its premises (pictured). More...

Police meet Berrow residents
BERROW residents met local police on Tuesday (January 22nd) to discuss their concerns regarding problems in the village. Eighty people filled Berrow Village Hall for the meeting, which was organised by PC Pete Wills (pictured) and PCSO Elliot Green. More...

Injured walker air-lifted to hospital
AN injured walker was air-lifted to hospital after suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder in a fall along a riverside cycle path in Burnham-On-Sea this week. The Devon and Somerset air ambulance landed near the River Brue on Tuesday (January 22nd) to rush the injured pensioner to Weston General Hospital. More...

Tributes for Burnham man
THE staff of South Western Ambulance Service have paid tribute to a Burnham-On-Sea man who died this week after several years as one of their Non-Executive Directors. Local accountant Ray Lock, pictured right, died earlier this week on Monday (21st January). More...

Triathlon and Aquathon 'are safe'
SEDGEMOOR District Council announced on Thursday (January 24th) that two of Burnham-On-Sea's leading sports events held at Burnham Pool will go ahead as normal during 2008. The proposed closure of the pool had cast doubt on the future of the Burnham-on-Sea Aquathlon and the Burnham Triathlon. More...

Safety boost for town pupils
CHILDREN from a Burnham-On-Sea school have been handed new high visibility jackets to keep them 'safe and seen' following a new initiative between police and local businesses. Children at St Joseph's Primary School have been given the bright yellow jackets. More...

Pool meetings announced
THE dates of a series of a public meetings where local people will be able to quiz councillors about their progress in finding a new owner for Burnham's threatened swimming pool were announced on Thursday afternoon (January 24th). Five meetings are planned. More...

'Big brother' scheme for Burnham
Exclusive: Roadside number plate recognition cameras are set to be introduced in Burnham-On-Sea by local police in a bid to crackdown on travelling criminals and vehicle crime. Sgt Ian Kennett told the latest meeting of Burnham Chamber of Trade that the new cameras could have a "major impact" in helping officers target crimninals. More...

Webcam live on regional radio!
BURNHAM'S seafront webcam was featured live on local radio on Thursday morning (January 24th) when this colourfully dressed character was seen waving to the world! Orchard FM broadcast live from The Esplanade during its breakfast show, Ian and Laura In The Morning. More...

Pool public meetings to be held
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Burnham-On-Sea swimming pool are to hold a series of public meetings to let local people quiz councillors on their progress in finding a new owner for the threatened facility. A 'task force' of three district councillors is now working to find a new owner. More...

Foley cycle path on the cards?
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea councillors gave the green light to 39 new homes near the controversial Frank Foley Parkway on Tuesday night (January 22nd) and, in an unexpected twist, called on the property developer to fund a new cycle path along the half-finished road. More...

MP calls for full barrage study
BURNHAM-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory said this week he will ensure a new government feasibility study on the proposed Severn Barrage properly considers the local consequences of building the structure at Brean. The study will assess the impact of harnessing tidal power. More...

Oscar hopes for Brean movie
A HOLLYWOOD blockbuster which was partially filmed on top of Brean Down, near Burnham-On-Sea, was nominated for two Oscars on Tuesday (January 22nd). A number of scenes in 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' starring Cate Blanchett (pictured) were filmed at Brean in the summer of 2006. More...

86 teams ready for Brean Rally
A TOTAL of 86 rally teams are set to take part in the 2008 Brean Rally, which roars into action this weekend. The entry list for the popular event was published this week - and last year's winners David Kynaston and co-driver Andy Russell will compete from the start of the grid. More...

Scouts want more volunteers
BURNHAM-On-Sea Scout Group has this week appealed for local residents to come forward and get involved with running the group. The busy group caters for over 100 local children, giving them activities and events that help them develop their interests and talents. More...

Boost for Princess Hall project
AMBITIOUS plans for a multi-million pound overhaul of Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Hall edged closer on Monday (January 21st) when town councillors gave their stamp of approval to the project so far. Nigel Grainge, the architect, unveiled brand new images of the planned '21st century modernisation' of the hall. More...

Revamp for busy road crossing
SOMERSET County Council is to upgrade a pedestrian crossing in the centre of Brean later this month. The highways department is carrying out five days of work to change the traffic signals in South Road outside Pontins holiday camp from Monday 28th January. More...

Man arrested after incident
POLICE confirmed on Monday morning (January 21st) that a 49-year-old man had been arrested in connection with an incident that brought the centre of Highbridge to a halt on Saturday. We reported how six teams of officers had rushed to Market Street amid reports that a white male armed with a crow bar had entered a flat. More...

Hovercraft rescues two children
BURNHAM'S Light Of Elizabeth hovercraft flew to the rescue of two children stranded on the mudflats at Weston-super-Mare on Sunday (January 20th). The hovercraft had been taking part in a training exercise on Uphill beach when the alarm was raised by Coastguards who spotted two girls in difficulty. More...

It's panto time in Burnham!
FINAL rehearsals are taking place at Burnham District Pantomime Society this week as it prepares to perform Robinson Crusoe. The group's 39th annual panto will take place in Burnham-On-Sea's Princess Hall between Friday February 1st and Saturday February 9th. More...

Fire crews tackle chimney blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire fighters rushed to West Huntspill on Saturday evening (January 19th) to tackle a chimney blaze. One fire engine was called to Millgreen Close at 8.30pm after residents raised the alarm. A single hose reel jet was used to extinguish the blaze. More...

Police swoop on Highbridge flat
THESE were the scenes in the centre of Highbridge on Saturday afternoon (January 19th) when police officers armed with riot shields dealt with a serious incident in a flat. Six teams of officers rushed to Market Street at 3.05pm amid reports that a man armed with a crow bar had entered a flat. More...

Winter parking fees introduced
FREE parking along Burnham's seafront during the winter months is set to be scrapped as part of an income-raising initiative by cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council. District council Claire Faun confirmed that parking charges would be introduced 365 days a year. More...

Fire alert empties M5 services
SEDGEMOOR Services on the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea was evacuated in a fire alert on Friday morning (January 18th). Dozens of motorists were asked to leave the site's buildings at around 11.30am after several fire alarms were activated - prompting a call-out for Burnham's fire crew. More...

Burnham photo club to restart
LOCAL photography enthusiasts are being invited along to the relaunch of Burnham and Highbridge photography club later this month. The new club will be based at the BAY centre in Cassis Close, Burnham and its first meeting will be held on 31st January at 7pm. More...

Street cleaning extended
A BIG council-led clean-up operation is set to go ahead in the Burnham-On-Sea area during the next few months. Sedgemoor District Council announced on Friday (January 18th) that its Clean Sweep initiative is to be extended to focus areas normally out of its jurisdiction. More...

Big turnout for barrage debate
ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners stepped up their calls for the proposed Severn Barrage to be built at Minehead, instead of Brean Down, during a special debate held in Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday evening (January 17th). Residents filled the town council's chambers to hear Gareth Woodham, the man behind ambitious plans to build a barrage and Severn Lake. More...

Power cut hits 10,000 homes
THOUSANDS of homes across Burnham-On-Sea were briefly left without power on Thursday afternoon (January 17th) following an electricty cut. Western Power Distribution confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com that a tea-time fault had left 10,000 homes in the dark. More...

Burnham job centre is to close
BURNHAM-On-Sea's job centre is to close later this year, it was announced on Thursday afternoon (January 17th). Somerset County Council has already expressed its "serious concerns" about the government's announcement that both the Chard and Burnham Job Centre Plus sites will shut as part of a "modernisation" programme. More...

'No plans' for McDonald's site
SPECULATION that burger giant McDonald's is planning to open a new restuarant in Highbridge has been rejected by the company. Rumours in the town during recent days claimed that McDonald's was considering a new store near to Asda on the busy A38. More...

Job losses hit Holiday Village
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea Holiday Village has this week announced a round of job losses as part of a management reorganisation. Haven Holidays confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com this week that it has laid off three staff as part of a restructuring at the holiday park. More...

Pool hopes dashed by council vote
HOPES of a last minute reprieve for Burnham-On-Sea swimming pool appear to have been dealt a blow with a decision by district councillors on Wednesday afternoon (January 16th) that the facility will shut on May 31st unless a new owner can be found. At a packed meeting inside Burnham's Princess Hall, members voted in favour of shutting the Berrow Road facility by May 31st. More...

'No changes' for seafront store
SUPERMARKET giant Somerfield has quashed rumours that it has sold or is considering selling its Burnham-On-Sea seafront store. The supermarket chain, which is based in Bristol, told Burnham-On-Sea.com that it has no plans to make changes to its Pier Street store. More...

Wassailing tradition lives on!
THE old Somerset tradition of wassailing - held each year on January 17th (the old 'twelfth night') to ensure a fine crop of cider apples during the summer ahead - will be performed at a charity event near Highbridge on Thursday night organised by Burnham Rotary Club. More...

Driver injured in A38 crash
DEBRIS littered the A38 at Highbridge after a woman suffered minor injuries following a collision between a car and and this British Telecom lorry on Wednesday morning (January 16th). Police were called to the entrance to Highbridge Caravans at 11.15am. More...

Wind farm appeal thrown out
A FINAL decision on whether a controversial wind farm on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea can proceed was finally announced on Tuesday (January 15th) - and residents of Brent Knoll are celebrating the outcome! Wind farm developer Ecotricity had hoped to overturn a decision by Sedgemoor planners. More...

It's D-Day for Burnham pool
THE fate of Burnham-On-Sea swimming pool could be finally be decided known later (Wednesday January 16th) when district councillors discuss proposals to shut the facility as part of a cost-cutting measure. A meeting of the full District Council in Burnham's Princess Hall will take place this afternoon. More...

Appeal for new RNLI crew
BURNHAM-On-Sea RNLI lifeboat station is looking for new recruits to join its shore crew. The volunteers need to have some spare time and want to put something back into their community, to help launch Burnham-On-Sea's two lifeboats throughout the year ahead. More...

LES hands out final cheques
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea fundraising group Local Emergency Service (LES) handed out their final cheques to local worthy causes on Tuesday night (January 15th) after 22 years of fundraising in the town. The group's Jackie Tanner presented a total of £1,797.14 to Burnham groups. More...

Child injured in town accident
A CHILD was rushed to hospital on Tuesday morning (January 15th) after an accident with a bus in Burnham-On-Sea. The youngster was crossing Burnham Road, near King Alfred School, when the incident involving a single-decker school bus occurred. More...

Never lose your way on the M5
BRAND new signs designed to help drivers pinpoint where they are if they break down or want to report a problem on the M5 motorway are being installed in the Burnham-On-Sea area. The new roadside driver location signs are being introduced along the M5 this month. More...

Pool campaigners go on air
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents took to the airwaves to campaign for the future of the town's swimming pool on Tuesday morning (January 15th). Residents were invited to join in a live radio debate about the future of the threatened pool when BBC Somerset visited. More...

New tourism booklet for town
A NEW booklet promoting tourism in Burnham-On-Sea, Berrow and Brean has been launched this week. The 24-page guide provides information about accommodation and places to visit in our area and has been produced by Sedgemoor Tourism Association. More...

Make a beeline for free classes
A CHANCE to learn more about bees is being offered by the Burnham-On-Sea branch of the Somerset Beekeepers Association, which is running newcomers' classes from this Thursday (January 17th) at Watchfield Village Hall. The free courses will be held over six weeks. More...

Police chase ends in crash
A DRAMATIC police chase through Burnham-On-Sea ended in a multi-vehicle accident which closed Love Lane on Monday afternoon (January 14th). A blue Volkswagen Golf which had been pursued by Devon and Cornwall police along the M5 motorway came to an abrupt halt outside the Dunstan House Inn. More...

Outrage as pool homes unveiled
BURNHAM-On-Sea.com has obtained shocking evidence that proves 34 homes have been earmarked for the land currently occupied by Burnham's swimming pool. Campaigners battling to save the pool say these images "completely destroy" the argument that the district council is shutting the pool purely because it is making a £250,000 a year loss. More...

O2 phone mast gets the go-ahead
MOBILE phone giant O2 has won its bid to build a mobile phone mast in the centre of Brean despite it being rejected by planners last year. The firm's project to construct a new 12.5 metre phone mast besides South Road, opposite Brean Leisure Park, was originally turned down by District Council planners. More...

New shops open in Burnham
BURNHAM-On-Sea has lost one of its shops, but gained several new businesses during the latest round of town centre changes. Mobile phone shop Phone Tek-Nation in Cross Street shut its doors for the final time last week after struggling during recent weeks. More...

BBC radio to air live pool show
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents are being invited to join in a live radio debate about the future of the town's threatened swimming pool when BBC Somerset's Radio Bus visits the town on Tuesday (January 15th). Sedgemoor District Council is due to decide the pool's fate. More...

£1.8m health club approved
Exclusive: Exciting plans for a new £1.8million health club and swimming pool on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea have been given the go-ahead by the district council this week. Last month, Burnham-On-Sea.com unveiled the plans for the new complex at Home Farm Holiday Park. More...

Flood Watch remains in place
A FLOOD Watch remained in place for the River Brue in Highbridge on Saturday morning (January 12th) after Friday's heavy rain led to flooding across the region. The Environment Agency placed a Flood Warning on the River Brue estuary at Highbridge as a precaution. More...

Chimney fire in West Huntspill
FIRE crews from Burnham-On-Sea rushed to a cottage in West Huntspill on Friday lunchtime (January 11th) amid reports of a chimney fire. The crews were quickly on the scene in Withy Road (pictured) to extinguish the blaze at around 1pm. There were fears the fire could spread to the roof. More...

Fire crew helps trapped horse
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire fighters performed one of their most unusual rescues this week when a horse became trapped in a vehicle. The crew was called to Alstone Riding Centre at East Huntspill after the distressed animal became stuck on a wooden gate inside a horse box. More...

Delays on M5 after accident
ONE lane of the M5 motorway was closed at Burnham-On-Sea on Friday morning (January 11th) after a one-vehicle accident. A Vauxhall Vectra collided with the central reservation on the northbound carriageway between junctions 22 at Burnham and 23 for Bridgwater. More...