Town councillors in Burnham-On-Sea have this week given lukewarm backing to regeneration plans for the town.
The council was asked to give £35,000 of funding towards the ‘Civic Pride’ scheme, which will see large parts of the town centre redesigned, as pictured here.
But while councillors voted in favour of giving the funding at their meeting on Monday (May 12th), several were cautious about the ambitious plans.
Cllr Janet Keen said: “I have a lack of faith in what’s being planned and wonder what is actually practical.”
And Cllr John Morgan, chairman of the town council’s finance commitee, added: “I have reservations. This is money from the town’s people and it is our duty to see that it will be used here in Burnham, rather than lost in a ‘big pot’.”
Cllr Chris Williams said that while he was “happy to to make committment,” he suggested that a special ‘ring-fenced’ bank account be set up for Civic Pride money from all partners.
Doug Bamsey, Corporate Director of Sedgemoor District Council, explained at Monday’s meeting why it was important that the council gave its approval: “We are within grasping reach of getting significant resources and I would urge the town council to support this.”
Cllr Danny Titcombe added during Monday’s debate: “We’ve been banging our heads against a brick wall on this for a long time. Now we’re within reach of significant funds, let’s not baulk at the last minute.”
The council’s members voted in favour of giving unanimous support in principal to the scheme.
RELATED LINKS:
Burnham regeneration exhibition opens
Burnham and Highbridge Regeneration Partnership Official Website
