A campaign has been launched in Burnham-On-Sea this week to promote the message that Somerset is still open for business despite the ongoing flooding in other parts of the county.
The launch comes amid concern that holidaymakers will be put off from visiting Burnham and Brean this half-term because of national media attention about the flooding on the Somerset Levels.
Burnham Mayor Martin Cox, who is among those backing the initiative, said: “We are keen to get the message out that Somerset’s main towns and holiday centres are unaffected by the floods. All the national media attention is starting to impact business. We want to let holidaymakers know that we’re not affected and that a warm welcome awaits them in Burnham.”
Ian Jefferies, Tourism Manager at BIARS (Burnham Information and Rescue Support), added: “We all feel very sorry for those affected by the flooding, but it’s important that people understand that we’re still open for business in Burnham. We have been receiving calls at the tourist information centre from people asking whether we’re closed when fortunately Burnham is not affected by the floods.”
James Heappey, Burnham’s prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate, right, who is backing the campaign, added: “We can’t afford for our local economy to be hit by tourists not coming. It’s important that we shout out the message that Burnham is open for business. People can support Somerset by visiting us and helping our businesses.”
Local holiday park owner Steve Atkins from Burnham’s Home Farm Holiday Park added that there had been lots of calls about the flooding. “We’ve had calls from people in other parts of the country asking about the flooding and enquiring whether we’re open. We are open for business and are looking forward to a busy season.”
