Traders in Highbridge have criticised the Town Council for not clearing snow from pavements while Burnham ‘received all the attention’.
Highbridge Chamber of Trade says pavements in Market Street, pictured, were left uncleared and slippery after Friday’s snowfall, hurting the trade of businesses in the town.
Chamber Chairman Mike Murphy told Burnham-On-Sea.com that the council’s response in Highbridge was “very disappointing.” He added: “While we recognise that Burnham has a busier shopping environment than Highbridge, the town council should be treating both towns the same way and clearing pavements in the same way. On this occasion, Highbridge’s pavements seem to have been forgetten. I will be writing to the Town Council to request a formal response.”
Town Clerk Eileen Shaw told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I did speak to the head of Clean Surroundings last Thursday when the threat of snow was imminent, and received an assurance that Highbridge would not be forgotten. This matter was taken up with him again this morning (Monday) when the Clerk received both an apology and an assurance that this would not happen again.”
“Highbridge traders and residents can be assured that the Town Council makes every effort to consider Highbridge in times of inclement weather, even though resources are limited and getting staff to Highbridge can be difficult in extreme conditions. For this reason, the Town Council also installed an additional grit bin in Market Street to help both traders and residents to help themselves. The town handyman also visited Market Street this morning, to look in particular at the footpath over the Walrow railway bridge. Co-operation is the keyword.”
In contrast, Burnham’s traders have praised the snow clearance response. Pavements were quickly cleared on Friday morning, as pictured right.
Colin Morris at Hurleys newsagents in the High Street told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “It was an excellent response – very different to 2010 where the pavements were left for several days. This time, the council did a great job – it shows what can be done.”
And Phil Hemming at Home Hardware agreed: “It was a very good response. Not only did the council clear the pavements and High Street but they gritted it too – I have nothing but praise for them.”
