Thousands of pounds worth of improvements to Burnham-On-Sea town centre have begun to appear this week, with new noticeboards, signs and lamp posts installed during the first phase of an ongoing project.
Work to install the new lighting columns in the High Street, plus finger posts, lighting columns in Victoria Street, and flower planters, cycle racks, hanging baskets and event banner columns is currently underway.
A new events area in the centre of the High Street is set to be built during the next few weeks.
The project, being overseen by the Town Council, aims to enhance the appearance of Burnham town centre to encourage more shoppers and visitors.
The changes are part of a combined work package costing £440,000 that is being funded by Tesco to offset the expansion of its Burnham store, along with grants from the Town Council and former South West Regional Development Agency.
Work to upgrade and repaint the existing lighting columns by SSE Contracting along the High Street is underway while the installation of new cast iron columns in Victoria Street to replace the existing galvanised steel columns has also being taking place.
Paul Martin, who is project managing the street works, said he was “very pleased” to see the improvements taking shape.
“The delivery of the street furniture was delayed by three weeks, resulting in the delay of resurfacing works of the pavements in the new High Street ‘events area’ between Cross Street and Adam Street.”
“The resurfacing will result in the closure of some sections, but I have been assured that access to shops will be maintained. The road will remain open.”
“The resurfacing of the highway will be carried out in March as higher temperatures are required for the curing of the coloured tarmac.”
Some other minor street works have already been completed, such as the installation of a new electricity supply pillar in the events area that will provide a power supply for community events.
Mr Martin recently assured traders that the work will be completed before the Easter holidays to avoid disruption.
