OUR story below on the EU’s new ‘safety regulations’ requiring Burnham-On-Sea’s iconic beach lighthouse to be repainted orange from next year was an April fool!
New EU safety regulations will mean Burnham-On-Sea’s iconic beach lighthouse will have to be repainted orange from next year.
The European Union is introducing new safety measures that require large coastline structures, such as lighthouses, to be repainted in bright orange in order to maximise safety and visibility for mariners.
The new EU Marine Maritime Structures Safety Act is due to come into force in 2016 and will apply to all member states, including the UK.
A spokesman confirmed the rules will initially apply to lighthouses but could also be expanded to include piers, such as Burnham Pavilion, in the future as well.
“We are committed to increasing the overall safety of our coastlines around Europe to help mariners avoid collisions,” said a spokesman. “All ligthouses will have to be painted bright orange, the designated safety colour.”
But councillors and residents have this week expressed shock at the plans. Local resident Bill Smart said: “It would be so foolish just to sit back and let the EU get away with this – it’s ridiculous what is being proposed to our lovely lighthouse, which was only recently voted as one of the world’s ten most beautiful lighthouses.”
