A footpath around part of Burnham-On-Sea Community Centre has been cordoned off this week amid safety concerns about falling tiles and roof debris.
Plans for £70,000 of roof repairs and a refurbishment of the 200 year-old building were first unveiled earlier this year.
However, the team overseeing the project say the poor condition of the roof at the north end of the building has led to the path around that part of the building being cordoned off as a precaution, as pictured here.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com, Paul Hambleton, Chairman of the Roof Sub-Group for Burnham Community Centre, said: “The Management Committee considered the matter at a recent meeting and has set up a sub-group to take it forward.”
“A survey of the Community Centre set-up has revealed that the northern section of the roof is time expired and requires replacement and we will shortly be going out for tender. Until we receive these we really don’t know what the exact costs are going to be but we are anticipating that it is likely to be in the region of £70,000.”
“Needless to say, but we don’t have anything like that amount in our funds so we are now commencing a fundraising campaign and we will also be making applications to funding bodies.”
“In the short term there is the possibility that tiles may slip, hence our decision to temporarily cordon off a small area of footway intermediately adjacent to the building.”
“We have approached a local firm of builders who have previously worked on the roof with a view to carrying out urgent repairs to make the roof safe.”
”Fortunately the building is water-tight and remains in operation as usual.”
The building, which is over 200 years old, is owned by Sedgemoor District Council, who are aware of the situation. It is leased to Burnham and Highbridge Community Association who have a full repairing lease. The Association is a registered charity operated by a board of trustees.
The building is home to over 40 groups, including Burnham U3A with 600 members, and is visited by thousands of people every year.
