Brean beach won’t be re-opened for motorists to park until July at the earliest due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the village’s Parish Council has decided this week.
At a virtual meeting of the Parish Council, which manages Brean beach, members set early July as the target for re-opening but this is dependent on several issues being resolved.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, council clerk Hazel Brinton said: “Councillors talked through the timing of the beach re-opening this week. They agreed that the beach won’t re-open to vehicles before July 4th at the earliest.”
“We need time to ensure beach wardens can oversee the beach safely and also get a new beach vehicle in place.”
She added: “We have been in discussions with Sedgemoor District Council on re-opening the toilets and we are delighted to have come to an arrangement that means these can safely re-open from this weekend. They will be regularly cleaned and social distancing measures will be in place.”
Sedgemoor District Council spokeswoman Claire Faun added: “Due to unprecedented numbers of day visitors to Brean after the easing of lockdown rules, Sedgemoor has worked with Burnham Portable Toilet Hire to get the facility opened safely to meet guidelines.”
“There have been reports of unsanitary behaviour by some visitors to the area – both unpleasant and upsetting for local residents.”
“SDC have worked with local company Burnham Portable Toilet Hire to get these premises opened and they will be servicing the block.”
Meanwhile, car parking in Brean continues to be available at the National Trust car park, the Bird Garden and on the fields of a nearby camp site for those that do visit the beach. Social distancing is being encouraged.
