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Active Learning Centre to open
A TASTE of Tai Chi and a free buffet will be on the menu this week at the launch of a new Active Living Centre at Balliol Hall in West Huntspill, near Highbridge. Residents aged 50 are invited to the official opening on Thursday (27th March) between 10.30am and 2pm.
In photos: Pub music round-up
CROWDS of music fans enjoyed a foot-tapping line-up of live music in Burnham-On-Sea over the Easter weekend. Over a dozen groups and bands performed at town centre pubs, with some of the best music at Burnham's Old Pier Tavern in the town's Pier Street.
Easter tourist trade hit by cold
BITTERLY cold weather and an early Easter have hit Burnham-On-Sea's Easter tourist trade this week, but holidaymakers have been putting a brave face on it. Sedgemoor Tourism Association said trade among its members was down 25% and the Pavilion said its trade was down by up to 80%.
Cyclist hurt in Berrow accident
A YOUNG cyclist was taken to hospital following an accident along a dangerous stretch of road at Berrow, near Burnham, on Sunday evening (March 23rd). Emergency services were called to Coast Road at around 6pm after a collision involving a lorry and a young cyclist opposite Berrow Church.
High winds topple street light
STRONG winds on Bank Holiday Monday (March 24th) toppled a street lighting column onto a seafront pavement in Burnham-On-Sea. Council workers were quickly drafted in to remove the debris, pictured here, and to ensure that the safety of walkers was not be at risk.
Big crowds watch top BMX action
In photos: OVER 350 of the UK's top BMX riders were in action in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (March 23rd) when the town's cycle track hosted the UK National BMX Championships. Big crowds of spectators lined the track to watch the fast-paced action at Apex Wildlife Park, which is home to Burnham BMX Club.
Music fans set for Brean event
OVER one thousand Queen fans are expected to descend on Brean, near Burnham-On-Sea, for the 23rd annual Queen Fan Club Convention next weekend. The event, being held at Pontins from March 28th-31st, will attract fans from all over the world, including America.
Post mix-up in Burnham
A BURNHAM-On-Sea resident has called on Royal Mail to smarten up its act after she received 21 letters that were meant for other people in the town on Saturday morning (March 22nd). Liz Monday said the heap of mail was pushed through her letterbox even though it was meant for other people.
Seafront pub removes decking
THE owner of a seafront pub in Burnham-On-Sea has this week dismantled a controversial raised decking area outside his premises after losing a planning bid to retain it. Sedgemoor planners ruled last year that Chaplins on The Esplanade had breached planning regulations by installing the raised decking area.
Lucky escape for car driver
THE occupants of this car had a lucky escape near Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (March 21st) after apparently misjudging the steepness of a roadside verge. Burnham-On-Sea police were called to the A38 near the M5 Edithmead roundabout at around 11.00pm.
Sara's set for 11th marathon
A WELL-known face at Highbridge's King Alfred Sports Centre is to run her 11th consecutive London Marathon next month for charity. Staff member Sara Marsh will be pacing the streets of London on Sunday April 13th to raise money for visually impaired children.
100 children ready for concert
OVER 100 young people from the Burnham-On-Sea area will gather in Highbridge next week to take part in a special concert organised by the town's Rotary Club. The schoolchildren will come together on 27th March for the Rotary's 'Youth Makes Music' concert.
Rescue groups hold open day
BURNHAM-On-Sea's marine rescue services are inviting local youngsters to a Young Persons' Coastal Day during April when they will be able to find out more about their life-saving work. The event will be held on 26th April at the RNLI, BARB and Coastguards.
Hot cross buns cause fire!
SEVERAL hot cross buns left unattended in a toaster caused a small fire in Highbridge on Friday morning (March 21st). A fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to Sparks Way at 11.16am after an alarm was activated in a residential home for young people.
Live music this Easter weekend
A busy weekend of Easter entertainment is in store for residents in Burnham-On-Sea, with more than a dozen bands and groups providing live music in the town. Burnham-On-Sea.com has a full preview of what's on and where across Burnham this Easter weekend.
Anger as public loos go on sale
THE chances of a block of public loos re-opening in Burnham appear to have been flushed away after Sedgemoor District Council began inviting bids from firms interested in buying the building. The district council has begun inviting offers for the loos in Sea View Road.
500 sign town car park petition
HIGHBRIDGE residents fighting the potential sale of the town's Bank Street car park handed over a 500-name petition to Sedgemoor District Council bosses on Thursday (March 20th). The huge petition was unveiled during a public meeting held in the Community Hall.
Public get their say on policing
ANTI-social behaviour, illegal parking and speeding are the top three issues that police need to tackle in Burnham-On-Sea as their top priorities, according to a survey of residents and Neighbourhood Watch leaders who attended a special open meeting in the town on Wednesday (March 19th).
Fire crews tackle farm blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews were called to tackle a deliberate blaze at a farm in Puriton on Thursday morning (March 20th) for the second time in a week. Fire crews from Burnham, Street and Bridgwater rushed to Down End Farm in the village at 3.48am.
'Eggs-tra' special Easter visit!
FUN-loving children from Brent Knoll Tadpoles Pre-School were treated to an 'egg-stra' special Easter visit this week. Staff at the school arranged a trip to a local egg farm which provides the school with its eggs. The eight children had the chance to collect eggs.
Paramedics help elderly man
THE centre of Burnham-On-Sea briefly came to a standstill when paramedics were called to treat an elderly person who had collapsed in the town this week. Two ambulances were sent to the High Street on Tuesday afternoon (March 18th) to provide emergency treatment.
Dozens join town flats protest
Exclusive: OVER 75 residents in Burnham-On-Sea have signed a petition calling on planners not to allow a seafront property to be turned into a multi-million pound block of apartments. Residents in Allandale Road are up in arms over the plans to convert a home into a three-storey block of 14 apartments.
Rail anniversary event planned
THIS May sees the 150th anniversary of the extension of the Somerset Central Railway to Burnham-On-Sea jetty, a major step in the original promoters' dream of a link from South Wales to Northern France by train and boat. The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust is holding a special event.
BMX bikers flock to Burnham
OVER 160 BMX enthusiasts flocked to Burnham-On-Sea's cycle track at Apex Wildlife Park at the weekend for an fast-paced day of two-wheeled race action. Burnham-On-Sea BMX Club hosted round one of the South West Regional BMX series on Sunday (March 16th).
24 new homes for Burnham?
Exclusive: DEVELOPERS have unveiled plans to build 24 new homes on land in Burnham-On-Sea this week. House builder Persimmon has applied for full planning permission to build the homes on land to the north of and including 63 Links Gardens off Berrow Road.
Pool prospects given a boost
THE prospect of a new owner being found to take over Burnham-On-Sea's closure-threatened swimming pool rose this week when the district council confirmed that several bids had been received to save the facility. The District Council confirmed more than one bid had been made.
Cold callers arrested by police
POLICE in Burnham-On-Sea have applauded the quick-thinking action of residents at Berrow on Monday (March 17th) which resulted in the arrest of two people. They alerted police to two cold callers in the area, whom officers arrested for operating without pedlar's certificates.
Hair-raising drama event!
BURNHAM-based Curtain Call school of Performing Arts is teaming up with a local hairdresser to put on a charity extravaganza with a difference. The evening will include various musical numbers and a showcase of new 'funky' hair dos from a Brent Knoll hair stylist.
Future of fireworks in doubt
THE future of Burnham-On-Sea's popular seafront fireworks display was plunged into doubt on Monday night (March 17th) when the town council said it needs to raise thousands of pounds to save the event. Cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council has run the display for several years.
Tennis academy welcomes MP
In Photos: BURNHAM-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory has become the patron of the Nathan Edwards Tennis Academy, it was announced during a fundraising jazz night held in the town at the weekend. The MP visited the Avenue Tennis Club this week.
Cycle lane plan for seafront
A DEDICATED cycling lane could soon be introduced along Burnham's seafront pavements as part of plans to make them safer for walkers. Town councillors are considering the introduction of a special cycle lane along the wider pavements of the Southern Esplanade.
Isleport expansion approved
A HIGHBRIDGE firm's multi-million pound expansion scheme has this week been given the green light by district council planners. Isleport Foods had applied for full planning permission to build a 3,000 square metre extension to its production facility outside Highbridge - and planners this week gave it the nod.
New-look charity shop opens
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Deputy Mayor has helped officially re-open a charity shop in the town following a major refit. St Margaret's Hospice shop in Burnham High Street has had a major refurbishment during recent weeks - including a re-fit and repairs to its roof.
Electricity restored to homes
WORK to restore electricity to 80 homes in East Huntspill, near Burnham-On-Sea, was underway on Sunday (March 16th) after a "major cable fault". Dozens of homes were left in the dark for almost six hours after an underground power cable fault developed in the early hours of the morning.
'Stick your oar in' for charity!
HUNDREDS of pounds was raised for BBC Sport Relief during a sponsored rowing event held in Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday afternoon (March 16th). Members of Burnham Sailing Club took to the waters of Bridgwater Bay in a small flotilla of 'tenders' for the mile-long row.
Fish stay away from anglers
SCORES of angling enthusiasts lined the beach at Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday (March 16th)... but the fish decided to stay away! Only seven were caught by the 82 competitors, making it the worst-ever event held by fishing club Weston Outcasts in Burnham.
Fire crews tackle farm blaze
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews helped to tackle a big farm blaze at Puriton in the early hours of Sunday morning (March 16th). Three fire crews from Burnham and Bridgwater, plus the command support unit from Street, attended a property fire at Down End Farm at 5.02am.
Bridge closes again for repairs
A NINE week closure of Highbridge's Walrow Railway Bridge came into operation on Saturday (March 15th) as Network Rail began strenghtening work. The bridge was cordoned off on Saturday afternoon and diversion signs put into place along routes on both sides of the bridge.
'Best ever' arts festival ends
THE 61st annual Highbridge Festival of The Arts came to a colourful end on Saturday night (March 15th) when this year's closing concert was held in front of a capacity audience in Burnham's Princess Hall. The festival attracted over 1,700 entrants this year.
Armed police in second raid
THESE were the scenes in Highbridge on Friday evening (March 14th) as armed police made a second swoop on a property as they searched for a suspect wanted in connection with a serious crime. The armed police unit was initially seen in the Newtown Road area of Highbridge at around 6.30pm.
Date set for lights switch-on
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront illuminations will be switched on for the tourist season at the beginning of May. Town councillors had considered switching them on in time for Easter but, with it falling in March this year, they decided to wait until the first May Bank Holiday Weekend.
Town hotel celebrates award
THE owners of a Burnham-On-Sea hotel are celebrating this week after the standard of their customer service was highly praised in a national pub awards scheme. The Victoria Hotel has been highly commended in the 'Best Customer Experience' category in the Punch Tavern Awards.
New film tells story of Colin
BURNHAM-On-Sea Big Issue seller Colin Johnstone is back in the spotlight this week after a new online film was launched showing how he has settled into a new home in Highbridge. Mr Johnstone hit the headlines last year when he was forced to move from his caravan.
Armed police swoop on home
AN ARMED police response unit swooped on a Highbridge property on Wednesday evening (March 12th) as officers searched for a man who is wanted on suspicion of being involved with a serious crime. The teams were sent to Alexandra Court on Highbridge Quay at 6pm.
Jetty's 'listed status' bid fails
Exclusive: A BID to get Burnham-On-Sea's jetty listed as a 'structure of special historic interest' in an attempt to secure hundreds of thousands of pounds for much-needed repairs has failed. Burnham-On-Sea.com exclusively learns the application has been turned down by English Nature.
Carnival creates £5k windfall
A HUGE windfall of more than £5,000 was handed out to grateful groups in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday evening (March 12th), courtesy of the town's carnival committee. Chairman Mike Young and President Malcolm Borland handed out £5,050 of cheques.
Regeneration news now online
VISITORS to Burnham-On-Sea.com will find it easier to keep up-to-date with the latest regeneration developments, thanks to the launch of a new mini website. Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge Partnership launched its official Website on Thursday (March 13th).
TV man visits Burnham library
BBC TV's crime correspondent Simon Hall was in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (March 12th) to discuss his work and promote his new book. Mr Hall, a broadcaster and crime writer, was at the town's library to talk about his journalism career and latest novel.
Huge waves batter seafront
HUGE waves struck Burnham-On-Sea for a third day on Wednesday morning (March 12th) as storm-force winds whipped up heavy seas. Waves crashed over the sea wall onto The Esplanade in front of Quantock Court (pictured), leaving pools of sea water along the seafront. | Video
Water cut after mains burst
WATER soared into the air after a mains burst in Burnham-On-Sea on Wednesday (March 12th) which left nearby residents with dry taps. Several homes were without water supplies in the Rosewood Avenue are following the burst, which was caught on camera.

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