Anxious town councillors in Burnham-On-Sea have this week expressed concerns about the state of the road surface along Marine Drive, which this autumn will be in the national media spotlight when it becomes the finishing line for the South West Stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race.
A large part of Marine Drive has been resurfaced in recent weeks by the county council, but several hundred metres of tarmac near the race’s finishing line, at the junction with Pier Street (pictured above) have been ignored.
At this week’s town council meeting, councillors said the condition of the road surface at this spot could be dangerous for cyclists as they approach the finishing line.
Cllr Neville Jones told Monday evening’s meeting: “The surface of Marine Drive near the fountain urgently needs to be brought to the attention of the county council.”
“There are ruts running along the surface all along the cycle race’s final sprint. This needs quickly repairing before September.”
And Cllr Eric Gill criticised the recent resurfacing work along Marine Drive, which he says focussed too heavily on the area of Marine Drive running past Apex Park and up to the entrance of the Holiday Village.
“We were promised a complete resurfacing of Marine Drive, but this has not been delivered,” he said.
Town clerk Eileen Shaw said the matter had been drawn to the attention of the county council’s highways department and a response is awaited.
Burnham-On-Sea.com exclusively reported in February that our town would be chosen as the finishing spot for the race on September 9th. The race is set to start in the south of Somerset in Chard and finish in Burnham in the north of the county.
Marine Drive will be closed to motorists on the race day from 5am to approximately 6.30pm and diversions will be in operation.
Digital TV channel ITV4 will be broadcasting extensive coverage of the race, along with regional and international television channels.
RELATED LINKS:
Excitement grows as route of cycle race is announced
It’s official! Burnham is confirmed as the finish line for top cycle race
Exclusive: Burnham set to host Tour of Britain Cycle Race
