A petition calling on Sedgemoor District Council to make safe the fire-ravaged Highbridge Hotel has been launched this week.
Members of Burnham-On-Sea.com’s discussion forums have launched the online petition here following our report earlier this week about safety fears at the site.
The petition states: “We the undersigned demand that the Executive Committee of Sedgemoor District Council takes action to remedy the dangerous, unsightly and demoralising condition of The Highbridge Hotel.”
“Since the calamitous fire in April 2008, the site has lain derelict and become an eyesore, a target for anti-social behaviour and a danger to our children’s safety and well-being. It also threatens further the declining economic situation in Highbridge and provides tourists entering the area with a deeply unsightly introduction to the town.”
“While we recognise that the developer has no intention of remedying the site, and also that parts of the structure are Grade II listed by English Heritage, we ask that the council apply its powers under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 or the Building Act 1984 to take immediate and decisive remedial action.”
“While not all residents agree on the future use of the site or the building, we are all agreed that the current situation must be addressed by our local representatives without undue further delay.”
Local councillors Joe Leach and Helen Groves are among the first people to have added their signatures.
It comes after Burnham-On-Sea.com reported earlier this week on Cllr Leach’s concerns that youngsters may be injured in the building.
“Security at the hotel is abysmal and it is a concern that children are playing inside even though it remains in such a dangerous state,” he said. “The property is in a very fragile condition and security definitely needs to be tightened up.”
Owner Derek Mead recently told Burnham-On-Sea.com there are no plans to renovate the building further in the short-term before a new owner is found.
The former Highbridge Hotel has been derelict following a huge blaze in April 2008. The cattle market site at the rear of the building has also not been used since the final market was held there in 2009.
RELATED LINKS:
Add your name to the petition here
