Burnham-On-Sea’s storm-damaged decorative lights will not be replaced until the middle of this summer at the earliest, it emerged on Monday night (April 2nd).
Town councillors decided to delay their decision on replacing 45 of the damaged illuminations, like the one pictured here.
It will give the council more time to look at a £9,000 replacement project or starting again with a new set of lights.
Burnham-On-Sea.com reported in January how scores of the lights were damaged beyond repair by powerful 75mph winds.
The cost of replacing the lights had been estimated at £8,000 in February, but the figure has since risen to over £9,000 due to additional welding and electrical work – although the majority of the cost is being covered by the town council’s insurance.
Town council clerk Eileen Shaw told Monday’s meeting that a number of different options are now being considered, including starting again with a new set of brand new-look lights.
Councillors were shown a set of photo montages featuring the new lights, which would cost in the region of £17,000-£22,000 and be guaranteed for two years.
Cllr Peter Clayton said: “We need to look very carefully at this. We wouldn’t want to be back in the same situation again next winter.”
And Cllr Ken Smout added: “My concern is not with the lights or even the designs, but the bracket strength. The seafront regularly sees very strong winds. We need time to properly consider the options or we could be pouring money into a very deep pot.”
Councillors decided to defer a final decision until their next meeting on May 14th, by which time a new council will be in place following the elections at the start of May. This means the lights will not be in place until June or July.
RELATED LINKS:
75mph storms hit Burnham-On-Sea
