OUR April Fool’s Day story below tricked a few readers into thinking a shock new European regulation would require town names across the UK to be changed in order to more accurately reflect their physical locations, with Burnham becoming ‘Burnham-On-River’. Fortunately, there are no such plans!

Published: April 1, 2016
Shock new EU regulation may require Burnham to be renamed

Burnham-On-Sea could have to be renamed because of a shock new European regulation that requires town names to more accurately reflect their physical locations.

Burnham, which is located next to the River Parrett, faces being renamed ‘Burnham-On-River’ since the EU classifies the town as being situated next to a river estuary rather than an ocean, it’s been confirmed.

EU spokeswoman Daisy O’Farlloop said: “The new EU Directive is coming into force later this year and is aimed at making it easier for people to understand location names. Some towns may have to change their names as a result.”

The new rules would sweep away centuries of history and a Town Council spokesperson responded today: “To say we are shocked by this news is an understatement and we will certainly fight any move to have the town renamed.”

“While Burnham is located next to a river, we are on the Bristol Channel estuary and we are known as being a seaside town.

 
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