Burnham-On-Sea’s MP James Heappey has hosted a meeting to discuss the development of tourism in Brean.
The meeting was attended by all but one of Brean’s holiday parks as well as representatives of Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Visit Somerset and the British Holiday and Home Parks Association.
The meeting covered a wide agenda including local highways issues, beach cleaning, lifeguarding, policing, mobile phone coverage and broadband speeds.
“Brean is a hugely important part of Somerset’s visitor economy with well over a million people spending their holiday here each year. Success in Brean means more visitors for Burnham-On-Sea, Cheddar, Wells and further afield so I consider it hugely important that those of us in Government – both local and national – support the resort as much as we can,” said Mr Heappey.
“I’m grateful to all the park owners for turning up but also the representatives from the local councils for engaging so enthusiastically. They brought with them some great news on broadband and took away a number of issues which, were they to be resolved, would be great news for Brean and the surrounding area. I’ll be monitoring progress closely and look forward to holding a similar meeting each winter from now onwards.”
Bob Smart, Chairman of Visit Somerset, added: “The strong turnout demonstrated how important the local industry representatives felt the meeting to be, and the constructive tone maintained throughout emphasised that everyone was keen to bring about positive outcomes. I was very impressed, and I would like to thank James for bringing the whole thing about.”
Jon Harris, Chairman Brean Parish Council and Director at Warren Farm Holiday Centre, added: “My sincere thanks to James for arranging this meeting. His understanding of both local and tourism issues was outstanding and I very much feel that an annual event will have long term benefits of our village.”
