Traders in Burnham-On-Sea town centre have this week been reassured that ‘disruptive’ roadworks in the High Street will not go ahead over the busy summer tourist season.
A number of enhancements are planned for the town centre – including erecting new street lights and installing a new coloured road surface in the High Street with new paving stones – as part of the £440,000 of improvements approved earlier this year.
Councillor Michael Clarke, speaking at a Town Council meeting this week, said: “We are aware that some traders are concerned that the town centre changes may go ahead over the holiday period.”
.HOW THE £440,000 WILL BE SPENT: 
Lighting improvements in Burnham High Street and Victoria Street
Hanging basket posts
Additional cycle racks in High Street
Highways improvements: Coloured paviers between Adam Street and Cross Street £20k; Coloured road surface £20k & maintenance £20k; Finger post signs £10k, street furniture, including £1k for a central electricity point for events, plus £30k
Publicity
Roller shutter project £5k shop front grants £25k
New public notice boards (High Street & Victoria Street)
Town Centre Manager and projects
Contingency to cover additional costs as figures are estimates
“I can reassure them that the schedule of work will be arranged to avoid disruption in the tourism season.”
He added: “It is hoped that work on some of the points will start soon, with a view to completing all the work by late 2013 or early 2014.”
Several businesses raised the concerns about the timing during a recent Burnham Chamber of Trade meeting.
The Chamber said this week it is pleased by the council’s statement on the matter, and added that the changes will have a positive impact on the vibrancy of the town centre.
The £440,000 comprises funding from Tesco, the Town Council and compensation from the former South West Regional Development Agency.
The funding has recently been released for the programme of work by Sedgemoor District Council and has been set aside ready for the Town Council to draw down as required.
