A Burnham-On-Sea councillor has said he regrets upsetting volunteers at the town’s RNLI station after leaving his car in a ‘no parking area’ outside.
One of the volunteers from the RNLI shop in Pier Street approached Cllr Neville Jones, pictured, after he parked there while attending a council meeting at the nearby water fountain opposite the lifeboat station.
On Tuesday evening, Cllr Jones told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I am sorry if she thought I was being rude but I was in a hurry to attend a council meeting with other officials besides the water fountain to discuss various improvements which resulted in saving the Town Council no less than £5,000 – a fact that I will report in further detail at this week’s full council meeting.”
“I am fully appreciative of the emergency services and all they do. Indeed, I was happy to play a major part in the RNLI’s return to Burnham-On-Sea eight years ago.”
“I am fully appreciative of all the volunteers, both in their lifeboats and their shop, who give up their time.”
“Indeed, only last week, I presented certificates of appreciation to some 60 volunteers at BIARS (Burnham Information And Rescue Support) for their voluntary work in the information centre.”
“It would certainly be out of my role to do or say anything which would make them think I didn’t appreciate all they do.”
Burnham RNLI spokesman Mike Lang told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “No-one should park opposite the gates of the lifeboat station at any time as our emergency vehicles need 24 hour access in and out.”
Pictured: Top, Cllr Neville Jones and, above, the roadway at the back of the Morrisons store where parking is not allowed in front of the RNLI station
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