Several Burnham-On-Sea groups gave an update on their council-funded projects during the annual Town Council meeting this week.
The meeting was held on Tuesday evening (April 25th) in Burnham’s Princess Theatre.
Burnham-On-Sea Railway Heritage Group’s Paul Hambleton gave an overview of the work over the past year to mark the 50th anniversary of the former railway line closing in Burnham-On-Sea.
He explained that the work has included a replica signal, station name board, new road name, weather vane, information panel and leaflet had been introduced thanks in part to funding from the Town Council and other groups and individuals, as featured here.
Hillview Carnival Club’s Duncan Britton gave an update on the club’s activities, explaining that its new shed that was funded by the Town Council has been a “huge boost”, enabling it to build and decorate its tractor, cart and generator trailer inside and avoid weather damage, as reported here.
He went on to say that the club is already well underway on building this year’s carnival entry with its 21 children and 16 adult helpers on hand.
Burnham United AFC’s Oliver Taylor and Paul Sealey explained to the council how the organisation has completed its build of its new clubhouse over the past year thanks in part to funding from the Town Council.
The £280,000 building was unveiled last autumn, as featured here, and replaced an aging building next to the BAY Centre playing fields. Mr Taylor said the new facilities are being used by up to 20,000 people every year. “This new building has made a massive difference to a lot of people,” he said.
Monarchs Gymnastics Club’s Sue Merrit and Mandy Warburton gave an update on their organisation’s recent purchase of a range of new soft play equipment – thanks to a Town Council grant – which is already benefitting toddlers, pre-school and recreational groups at the club, as we reported here.
She added that the Monarchs have come a long way over the past 28 years, moving from their temporary base at King Alfred School, to a large unit in Brue Way, Highbridge alongside Leaker’s. She explained that the popularity of the group means adults fitness classes are due to start in September.
The presentations concluded with Cllr Phil Harvery giving an update on the ongoing work to produce a neigbourhood plan for Burnham-On-Sea, which was started three years ago to give people a voice on planning decisions.
He said the document is currently out for consultation until May 15th, as featured here, and he added that the responses so far have been “very supportive of the planning policies we are suggesting.”
In a question and answer session at the end of the meeting, local resident Alex Turco asked whether a five-minute slot could be introduced at the end of every monthly Town Council meeting for residents to ask councillors about their decisions. He also said an upgrade of the council chamber’s furniture, sound system and lighting is needed alongside a large presentation screen.
Council Clerk Tatiana Cant said: “We take public engagement very seriously and want to improve on this. A five-minute sesison for questions is not unprecedented – it takes place at some other councils – and while it’s not happened here historically, it’s still possible.” She added that the council is looking into an upgrade of its council chamber facilities.
In other questions, resident Phoebe Pearce said the re-introduction of decorative lights along the seafront should be considered, while Mike Mansfield added that flags along the seafront should also be introduced.
