Vandals leave £800 of damage
Exclusive: AN angry Burnham-On-Sea resident faces a repair bill of almost £800 after vandals damaged his car while it was parked on the town's seafront this week. Graham Wills, treasurer of Burnham Sailing Club, found his Saab had been targeted with a key or screwdriver on The South Esplanade on Wednesday.
Exclusive: AN angry Burnham-On-Sea resident faces a repair bill of almost £800 after vandals damaged his car while it was parked on the town's seafront this week. Graham Wills, treasurer of Burnham Sailing Club, found his Saab had been targeted with a key or screwdriver on The South Esplanade on Wednesday.
Opticians turns red for a day!
STAFF at a Burnham-On-Sea opticians were seeing red on Friday (February 24th) to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Staff at Specsavers in Burnham's High Street paid for the privilege of wearing something red as they took part in 'National Wear it Red Day'.
STAFF at a Burnham-On-Sea opticians were seeing red on Friday (February 24th) to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Staff at Specsavers in Burnham's High Street paid for the privilege of wearing something red as they took part in 'National Wear it Red Day'.
'No drought worries' says firm
THE firm that provides water supplies to the Burnham-On-Sea area has this week reassured customers that it has no plans to restrict supplies despite one of the driest winters on record. Across the West country, reservoir levels and rainfall are down by up to one fifth.
THE firm that provides water supplies to the Burnham-On-Sea area has this week reassured customers that it has no plans to restrict supplies despite one of the driest winters on record. Across the West country, reservoir levels and rainfall are down by up to one fifth.
Entries open for Spring Show
THE entry period has opened for Burnham-On-Sea and District Horticultural Society's annual Spring Show, which is set to take place on Saturday, March 10th. As well as exhibits of flowers and plants, there will be photography, art, domestic and junior classes.
THE entry period has opened for Burnham-On-Sea and District Horticultural Society's annual Spring Show, which is set to take place on Saturday, March 10th. As well as exhibits of flowers and plants, there will be photography, art, domestic and junior classes.
Fire crew called to fuel leak
FIREFIGHTERS were called to a Highbridge home on Friday evening (February 24th) to investigate a fuel leak. One fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to Dunbar Close at 9.39pm after residents reported a strong smell of petrol in the area. Crews removed a car with leaking fuel.
FIREFIGHTERS were called to a Highbridge home on Friday evening (February 24th) to investigate a fuel leak. One fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to Dunbar Close at 9.39pm after residents reported a strong smell of petrol in the area. Crews removed a car with leaking fuel.
Queen hands MBE to proud Pam
Exclusive: THE Queen has this week presented a long-serving member of staff at Burnham-On-Sea Police Station with an MBE during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Pam, 57, was recognised for her services to the constabulary over the past 38 years by being named in the Queen's New Year Honours.
Exclusive: THE Queen has this week presented a long-serving member of staff at Burnham-On-Sea Police Station with an MBE during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Pam, 57, was recognised for her services to the constabulary over the past 38 years by being named in the Queen's New Year Honours.
Rally team hand over awards
ORGANISERS of the annual Brean Rally have this week held their presentation night when awards were given to the top drivers and a cheque was presented to Somerset's air ambulance charity. The event was held on Thursday evening (February 23rd) at Sand Bay near Weston.
ORGANISERS of the annual Brean Rally have this week held their presentation night when awards were given to the top drivers and a cheque was presented to Somerset's air ambulance charity. The event was held on Thursday evening (February 23rd) at Sand Bay near Weston.
Football fundraiser on Saturday
A FUNDRAISING race night is to be held in aid of Berrow Football Club in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday evening (February 25th). The race night will be held at The Rosewood in Love Lane from 7pm when the club's supporters and the general public will be welcome.
A FUNDRAISING race night is to be held in aid of Berrow Football Club in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday evening (February 25th). The race night will be held at The Rosewood in Love Lane from 7pm when the club's supporters and the general public will be welcome.
Sedgemoor freezes council tax
SEDGEMOOR district councillors have set their budget for coming financial year and have announced they are to freeze their portion of council tax bills in the Burnham-On-Sea area. It comes after a row with EDF broke out at the last meeting earlier this month.
SEDGEMOOR district councillors have set their budget for coming financial year and have announced they are to freeze their portion of council tax bills in the Burnham-On-Sea area. It comes after a row with EDF broke out at the last meeting earlier this month.
Seafront 'boy racers' crackdown
Exclusive: A police crackdown on speeding and anti-social driving along Burnham-On-Sea's seafront has been hailed a success by residents this week. At Thursday night's quarterly community police meeting, Constable Tracey Stiles from Burnham Police said a number of drivers have been targeted.
Exclusive: A police crackdown on speeding and anti-social driving along Burnham-On-Sea's seafront has been hailed a success by residents this week. At Thursday night's quarterly community police meeting, Constable Tracey Stiles from Burnham Police said a number of drivers have been targeted.
Make your garden patriotic!
GARDENERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area will be able to pick up advice on how to plant flower beds and containers with British-grown bedding and plants in readiness for this Spring's Jubilee celebrations at a special event next month at Sanders Garden World.
GARDENERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area will be able to pick up advice on how to plant flower beds and containers with British-grown bedding and plants in readiness for this Spring's Jubilee celebrations at a special event next month at Sanders Garden World.
Fitness challenge is launched
MEN in the Burnham-On-Sea area aged between 40 and 59 are being encouraged to join a fitness challenge at King Alfred Sports Centre in Highbridge. Sedgemoor District Council is working with 1610, the firm that runs the centre, to organise the event from the start of March.
MEN in the Burnham-On-Sea area aged between 40 and 59 are being encouraged to join a fitness challenge at King Alfred Sports Centre in Highbridge. Sedgemoor District Council is working with 1610, the firm that runs the centre, to organise the event from the start of March.
Residents set police priorities
TACKLING drugs in Burnham-On-Sea town centre and anti-social behaviour in the Manor Gardens have been voted as the top two priorities for police in the town over the next three months. It follows a quarterly 'Have Your Say' community meeting last night (Thursday).
TACKLING drugs in Burnham-On-Sea town centre and anti-social behaviour in the Manor Gardens have been voted as the top two priorities for police in the town over the next three months. It follows a quarterly 'Have Your Say' community meeting last night (Thursday).
ITV breezes into Burnham!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront was briefly the centre of attention this evening (Thursday) when ITV broadcast its live weather forecast from the town. TV weatherman Bob Crampton braved gusty onshore winds as he stood on the sea wall to present the forecast.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront was briefly the centre of attention this evening (Thursday) when ITV broadcast its live weather forecast from the town. TV weatherman Bob Crampton braved gusty onshore winds as he stood on the sea wall to present the forecast.
TIC is 'not at risk of closure'
CLAIMS that Burnham-On-Sea's Tourist Information Centre is at risk of closure have been rejected by bosses behind the operation this week. A local newspaper claimed the centre "could be at risk of closure because of funding difficulties" however these have rejected as incorrect.
CLAIMS that Burnham-On-Sea's Tourist Information Centre is at risk of closure have been rejected by bosses behind the operation this week. A local newspaper claimed the centre "could be at risk of closure because of funding difficulties" however these have rejected as incorrect.
MP attacks 'knee jerk reaction'
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has called a decision by Somerset County Council to put on hold its proposed cuts to the Young Carers' Budget a "knee jerk response to save face after misjudging the public's reaction to its devastating proposals." She was reacting to an announcement from the council.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has called a decision by Somerset County Council to put on hold its proposed cuts to the Young Carers' Budget a "knee jerk response to save face after misjudging the public's reaction to its devastating proposals." She was reacting to an announcement from the council.
£1m Mary Portas bid launched
Exclusive: BUSINESS leaders in Burnham-On-Sea have this week issued a rallying call for support in a bid to secure a share of a £1million cash injection to boost the town centre. Burnham Chamber of Trade is competing for funding from a scheme spearheaded by TV personality Mary Portas.
Exclusive: BUSINESS leaders in Burnham-On-Sea have this week issued a rallying call for support in a bid to secure a share of a £1million cash injection to boost the town centre. Burnham Chamber of Trade is competing for funding from a scheme spearheaded by TV personality Mary Portas.
Have your say on policing
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents will be able to have their say about policing in the town when a public meeting is held on Thursday evening. The quarterly 'Have Your Say' meeting gives local residents a chance to influence what happens in their neighbourhood.
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents will be able to have their say about policing in the town when a public meeting is held on Thursday evening. The quarterly 'Have Your Say' meeting gives local residents a chance to influence what happens in their neighbourhood.
Town's Peacocks store saved
Exclusive: STAFF at Burnham-On-Sea's Peacocks store breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday when it was announced that the firm's new owners have saved it from closure. Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which is one of the UK’s largest high street chains, has acquired the Peacocks brand, plus 388 stores.
Exclusive: STAFF at Burnham-On-Sea's Peacocks store breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday when it was announced that the firm's new owners have saved it from closure. Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which is one of the UK’s largest high street chains, has acquired the Peacocks brand, plus 388 stores.
Lower tax bills after mistake
COUNCIL tax bills in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are set to rise by just 20p this year - which is less than the 52p a year increase orginally announced by the Town Council earlier this year. Town Clerk Eileen Shaw says the council miscalculated a figure.
COUNCIL tax bills in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are set to rise by just 20p this year - which is less than the 52p a year increase orginally announced by the Town Council earlier this year. Town Clerk Eileen Shaw says the council miscalculated a figure.
Fair visits Highbridge this week
A FOUR-day fun fair is returning to Highbridge's former cattle market site this week. The fair opens on Thursday evening (February 23rd) and runs through until Sunday night (February 26th). Its traditional rides will be charged at £1.50 each and runs from 6pm each weekday.
A FOUR-day fun fair is returning to Highbridge's former cattle market site this week. The fair opens on Thursday evening (February 23rd) and runs through until Sunday night (February 26th). Its traditional rides will be charged at £1.50 each and runs from 6pm each weekday.
Wind farm plan to be submitted
BROADVIEW Energy, the developer behind controversial plans for the proposed Pilrow wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea, hosted two public exhibitions this week to show residents its plans which, it says, will be formally lodged with Sedgemoor District Council "within weeks".
BROADVIEW Energy, the developer behind controversial plans for the proposed Pilrow wind farm near Burnham-On-Sea, hosted two public exhibitions this week to show residents its plans which, it says, will be formally lodged with Sedgemoor District Council "within weeks".
Electoral changes proposed
THE Local Government Boundary Commission for England has this week invited people in the Burnham-On-Sea area to comment on new proposals to change electoral arrangements in the town. A seven-week public consultation on the recommendations has started.
THE Local Government Boundary Commission for England has this week invited people in the Burnham-On-Sea area to comment on new proposals to change electoral arrangements in the town. A seven-week public consultation on the recommendations has started.
Burglars in raid on post office
Exclusive: BURGLARS smashed their way into a village post office near Burnham-On-Sea overnight by making a hole in the building's roof. Burnham-On-Sea police were called to Lympsham Post Office at 3.30am today following the dramatic night-time raid. Police are not saying what was taken in the break-in.
Exclusive: BURGLARS smashed their way into a village post office near Burnham-On-Sea overnight by making a hole in the building's roof. Burnham-On-Sea police were called to Lympsham Post Office at 3.30am today following the dramatic night-time raid. Police are not saying what was taken in the break-in.
Man, 50, died after taking drugs
A 50-year-old Highbridge man died after taking a cocktail of drugs which stopped his heart, an inquest has been told. Burnham-On-Sea police were called to the home of David Barrett in Newtown Road last August after concerned relatives raised the alarm.
A 50-year-old Highbridge man died after taking a cocktail of drugs which stopped his heart, an inquest has been told. Burnham-On-Sea police were called to the home of David Barrett in Newtown Road last August after concerned relatives raised the alarm.
In photos: Pancake flipping!
THERE was a 'flipping' good turnout at a special sponsored Shrove Tuesday event in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens this afternoon. The Friends of Marine Cove organised the sponsored pancake flipping event to raise money for two good causes on Shrove Tuesday.
THERE was a 'flipping' good turnout at a special sponsored Shrove Tuesday event in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens this afternoon. The Friends of Marine Cove organised the sponsored pancake flipping event to raise money for two good causes on Shrove Tuesday.
Objections over 550 new homes
Exclusive: TOWN councillors have this week raised fresh objections over multi-million pound plans for 550 new homes to be built on farmland in Highbridge. They are concerned that Hallam Land Management's plans for the Brue Farm site will not provide enough community benefit.
Exclusive: TOWN councillors have this week raised fresh objections over multi-million pound plans for 550 new homes to be built on farmland in Highbridge. They are concerned that Hallam Land Management's plans for the Brue Farm site will not provide enough community benefit.
Police appeal after car attack
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have appealed for witnesses to come forward after a car was vandalised in the town centre last week. A white Vauxhall Vivaro was damaged in the town centre on Wednesday 15th February between 11:45am and 3pm in Cross Street.
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have appealed for witnesses to come forward after a car was vandalised in the town centre last week. A white Vauxhall Vivaro was damaged in the town centre on Wednesday 15th February between 11:45am and 3pm in Cross Street.
Sea cadets win drill competition
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Sea Cadets have this week won a leading Somerset and Dorset district drill competition. Following their success in 2011, when they lifted the National Drill trophy in the Colour Party competition, they have this year entered a larger competition.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Sea Cadets have this week won a leading Somerset and Dorset district drill competition. Following their success in 2011, when they lifted the National Drill trophy in the Colour Party competition, they have this year entered a larger competition.
Pancake flipping event today!
A SPONSORED fancy dress pancake flipping event is to be held in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens today, Shrove Tuesday. The Friends of Marine Cove are holding the event in the seafront gardens at 4pm when residents of all ages will be welcome to join in the fun.
A SPONSORED fancy dress pancake flipping event is to be held in Burnham-On-Sea's Marine Cove gardens today, Shrove Tuesday. The Friends of Marine Cove are holding the event in the seafront gardens at 4pm when residents of all ages will be welcome to join in the fun.
New asbestos rules introduced
NEW rules for asbestos disposal are being introduced at Highbridge's recycling centre on the town's Isleport industrial estate from March 1st. The potentially dangerous substance will only be accepted if the site has been contacted in advance by the resident disposing the material.
NEW rules for asbestos disposal are being introduced at Highbridge's recycling centre on the town's Isleport industrial estate from March 1st. The potentially dangerous substance will only be accepted if the site has been contacted in advance by the resident disposing the material.
Rugby side celebrates 98-0 win
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea Rugby Club have this week been celebrating one of their most memorable-ever victories. The club's second team beat North Petherton 98-0 in a league clash on Saturday afternoon, one of the club's biggest ever points victories over the years.
MEMBERS of Burnham-On-Sea Rugby Club have this week been celebrating one of their most memorable-ever victories. The club's second team beat North Petherton 98-0 in a league clash on Saturday afternoon, one of the club's biggest ever points victories over the years.
Cloggers deny closure rumours
A BURNHAM-based dance group has this week scotched rumours that it is folding. The Coastal Cloggers, who perform Appalachian Clogging sessions at events such as Burnham's annual FolkFest, have acted to reassure local people that they alive and running.
A BURNHAM-based dance group has this week scotched rumours that it is folding. The Coastal Cloggers, who perform Appalachian Clogging sessions at events such as Burnham's annual FolkFest, have acted to reassure local people that they alive and running.
School open after power fault
Exclusive: HIGHBRIDGE'S King Alfred School has told pupils that it will be open as usual on Tuesday morning (February 21st) despite a power failure that interrupted services on Monday. The school issued a letter to all parents alerting them to the "power supply issues".
Exclusive: HIGHBRIDGE'S King Alfred School has told pupils that it will be open as usual on Tuesday morning (February 21st) despite a power failure that interrupted services on Monday. The school issued a letter to all parents alerting them to the "power supply issues".
Pier legal dispute halted
Exclusive: SEDGEMOOR District Council has temporarily halted legal proceedings against the owner of Burnham-On-Sea pier in a bid to resolve a legal wrangle over whether a shop on the forecourt should be demolished. Over 100 people have signed a petition supporting the Pavilion's Manager.
Exclusive: SEDGEMOOR District Council has temporarily halted legal proceedings against the owner of Burnham-On-Sea pier in a bid to resolve a legal wrangle over whether a shop on the forecourt should be demolished. Over 100 people have signed a petition supporting the Pavilion's Manager.
Turbines pose 'risk to M5 drivers'
Exclusive: CAMPAIGNERS fighting a developer's plans to build four 426ft tall wind turbines near Burnham have this week said the wind farm would pose a safety risk to motorists on the M5 due to it being a "serious distraction". The group has released a new photomontage.
Exclusive: CAMPAIGNERS fighting a developer's plans to build four 426ft tall wind turbines near Burnham have this week said the wind farm would pose a safety risk to motorists on the M5 due to it being a "serious distraction". The group has released a new photomontage.
Dunes sea buckthorn targeted
OVER 20 volunteers joined a day of conservation work in Berrow dunes on Sunday (February 19th). Members of the public joined Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers as they made their annual trip to carry out the clearance of sea buckthorn and plant marram grass in the foredunes.
OVER 20 volunteers joined a day of conservation work in Berrow dunes on Sunday (February 19th). Members of the public joined Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers as they made their annual trip to carry out the clearance of sea buckthorn and plant marram grass in the foredunes.
Rising sea levels warning
THE coastline around Burnham-On-Sea could significantly change when more than three-quarters of the Severn Estuary's mudflats disappear over the next century due to sea levels rise caused by climate change, a new report has warned. The next 60 years could see water levels rise by 30cm-40cm.
THE coastline around Burnham-On-Sea could significantly change when more than three-quarters of the Severn Estuary's mudflats disappear over the next century due to sea levels rise caused by climate change, a new report has warned. The next 60 years could see water levels rise by 30cm-40cm.
Town shop holds busking week
A BURNHAM-On-Sea charity shop hopes to raise hundreds of pounds by holding a week of busking. The Sue Ryder Care shop in Burnham's High Street is inviting local musicians of all ages and abilities to join in the event, which is underway throughout this week.
A BURNHAM-On-Sea charity shop hopes to raise hundreds of pounds by holding a week of busking. The Sue Ryder Care shop in Burnham's High Street is inviting local musicians of all ages and abilities to join in the event, which is underway throughout this week.
Row erupts over solar panels
Exclusive: AN angry row has this week broken out between a wind farm developer and protesters near Burnham-On-Sea after East Brent Village Hall accepted a donation from Broadview towards the cost of a major new solar panels project. Broadview has made a financial contribution towards the installation.
Exclusive: AN angry row has this week broken out between a wind farm developer and protesters near Burnham-On-Sea after East Brent Village Hall accepted a donation from Broadview towards the cost of a major new solar panels project. Broadview has made a financial contribution towards the installation.
Pupils in eco-classroom contest
A GROUP of Highbridge students has competed in a regional science and engineering challenge to design an eco-classroom. Six students from King Alfred School's Year 9 visited Keynsham to take part in the contest and present the findings of their science project.
A GROUP of Highbridge students has competed in a regional science and engineering challenge to design an eco-classroom. Six students from King Alfred School's Year 9 visited Keynsham to take part in the contest and present the findings of their science project.
Hinkley expansion steps closer
THE clearest indication yet that the proposed Hinkley Point C reactor will be built was signalled on Friday when Britain and France signed a landmark agreement to co-operate on civil nuclear energy. David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy signed up to a major new deal.
THE clearest indication yet that the proposed Hinkley Point C reactor will be built was signalled on Friday when Britain and France signed a landmark agreement to co-operate on civil nuclear energy. David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy signed up to a major new deal.
TV show features town group
THE work of Highbridge Dreamscheme will be featured on a BBC television show this Sunday lunchtime (February 19th). The group's community work in the town will be shown on BBC1's Politics Show during a segment about regeneration in the town and community issues.
THE work of Highbridge Dreamscheme will be featured on a BBC television show this Sunday lunchtime (February 19th). The group's community work in the town will be shown on BBC1's Politics Show during a segment about regeneration in the town and community issues.
Potato festival gets underway
GARDENERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area who are interested in picking up information about how to grow one of the nation’s favourite vegetables are being invited to a free event at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World throughout this weekend. The annual potato weekend is on Saturday and Sunday.
GARDENERS in the Burnham-On-Sea area who are interested in picking up information about how to grow one of the nation’s favourite vegetables are being invited to a free event at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World throughout this weekend. The annual potato weekend is on Saturday and Sunday.
New Manor House owner unveiled
Exclusive: A historical building in Burnham-On-Sea formally changed hands on Friday (February 17th) when its new owners took over. Burnham's Watermark Financial Solutions has bought the Manor House in the town's Manor Gardens and is to give the property a huge £250,000 refurbishment.
Exclusive: A historical building in Burnham-On-Sea formally changed hands on Friday (February 17th) when its new owners took over. Burnham's Watermark Financial Solutions has bought the Manor House in the town's Manor Gardens and is to give the property a huge £250,000 refurbishment.
Road to close for three weeks
A ROAD through Berrow will be closed for three weeks from Monday (February 20th) while roadworks go ahead. The county council's work in Red Road was originally due to start last Monday, but was delayed due to the wintry weather. Diversions will be in place until March 9th.
A ROAD through Berrow will be closed for three weeks from Monday (February 20th) while roadworks go ahead. The county council's work in Red Road was originally due to start last Monday, but was delayed due to the wintry weather. Diversions will be in place until March 9th.
Circus opens in Brent Knoll
A CIRCUS at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World formally opened on Thursday night (Fenruary 16th) and is now running until the evening of Sunday February 26th. Paulo’s Circus features acrobats, aerial silk performers, highwire walkers and traditional clowns.
A CIRCUS at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden World formally opened on Thursday night (Fenruary 16th) and is now running until the evening of Sunday February 26th. Paulo’s Circus features acrobats, aerial silk performers, highwire walkers and traditional clowns.
EDF unable to answer anglers
Exclusive: POWER firm EDF has not carried out any studies on the numbers of fish likely to be affected by the installation of Hinkley Point C's new water in-take and out-take pipes in the Bristol Channel near Burnham-On-Sea, it emerged during a special meeting on Thursday night (February 16th).
Exclusive: POWER firm EDF has not carried out any studies on the numbers of fish likely to be affected by the installation of Hinkley Point C's new water in-take and out-take pipes in the Bristol Channel near Burnham-On-Sea, it emerged during a special meeting on Thursday night (February 16th).
New job club launches in town
A NEW job club which aims to help jobseekers in Highbridge find employment launched on Thursday (February 16th). Homes in Sedgemoor and Sedgemoor Community Partnership have launched the free group, which will meet weekly at Morland Hall every Thursday.
A NEW job club which aims to help jobseekers in Highbridge find employment launched on Thursday (February 16th). Homes in Sedgemoor and Sedgemoor Community Partnership have launched the free group, which will meet weekly at Morland Hall every Thursday.
Beach survey team rescued
A SURVEY team had to be rescued on Berrow beach this morning (Thursday) after getting trapped in thick mud. Sedgemoor District Council's beach manager called on the help of Burnham-based rescue charity BARB to reach the stranded vehicle, near the Berrow shipwreck, shortly before 11am.
A SURVEY team had to be rescued on Berrow beach this morning (Thursday) after getting trapped in thick mud. Sedgemoor District Council's beach manager called on the help of Burnham-based rescue charity BARB to reach the stranded vehicle, near the Berrow shipwreck, shortly before 11am.
