Councillors in Burnham-On-Sea have this week expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of a once proud town landmark.
The Manor House in Burnham’s Manor Gardens has been attacked by vandals in recent weeks, with eight windows boarded up by a security firm while others are smashed, as pictured here.
The house was built in 1841 and was home to well-known Burnham resident George Reed, who would no doubt be horrified to see it in its current condition.
Burnham County Councillor Peter Burridge-Clayton told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “In its current state, the building is a sad sight. Iit is in a very prominent position in Burnham at the heart of the town and no-one wants to see it deteriorate any further.”
Burnham’s Mayor, Cllr Michael Clarke, told Burnham-On-Sea.com that the condition of the building is likely to be on the agenda of the Town Council’s next meeting.
“It is in a very poor condition, which is a concern given that it is such a visible building,” he said.
The Manor House and gardens were sold to Burnham Urban District Council in April 1904, then in 1974 Sedgemoor District Council took over the building for offices.
The house was later sold in February 2000 to the Ashfield Trust, while the gardens remained in SDC’s hands. But when the Ashfield Trust moved out last year, the building was put up for sale.
A spokesman for agents Greenslade Taylor and Hunt told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Thursday that an offer has been made for the building by a local business, however the offer is still going through and could take two months to complete.
