Chalets destroyed in Brean fire
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews tackled a big blaze at Pontins holiday camp in Brean during the early hours of Monday (January 22nd). Four fire engines - two from Burnham and two from Weston - along with appliances from Bridgwater and Street were called out at 12.12am.
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews tackled a big blaze at Pontins holiday camp in Brean during the early hours of Monday (January 22nd). Four fire engines - two from Burnham and two from Weston - along with appliances from Bridgwater and Street were called out at 12.12am.
Councillors back unitary status
A MEETING of Somerset County Council has voted by 28 votes to 21 to go ahead with plans to create one local authority and disband the districts - including Sedgemoor, which oversees Burnham. A special meeting of the County Council was held on Monday (Jan 22nd).
A MEETING of Somerset County Council has voted by 28 votes to 21 to go ahead with plans to create one local authority and disband the districts - including Sedgemoor, which oversees Burnham. A special meeting of the County Council was held on Monday (Jan 22nd).
Town arcade's design attacked
PLANS to extend Burnham-On-Sea's conservation area could have big implications for a seafront amusement arcade. Sunspot amusements has been singled out as being "out of character" and it is proposed that the arcade would benefit from a traditonal design.
PLANS to extend Burnham-On-Sea's conservation area could have big implications for a seafront amusement arcade. Sunspot amusements has been singled out as being "out of character" and it is proposed that the arcade would benefit from a traditonal design.
Storms blew off roof at Brean
A BREAN resident is counting the cost of Thursday's storms after the roof of her log cabin was blown several hundred metres away, causing damage to the building and its contents. As pictured here, the 75mph winds took off the roof, leaving it two gardens away.
A BREAN resident is counting the cost of Thursday's storms after the roof of her log cabin was blown several hundred metres away, causing damage to the building and its contents. As pictured here, the 75mph winds took off the roof, leaving it two gardens away.
Regatta plans big expansion
Exclusive: THE UK's national water-skiing championships could return to Burnham-On-Sea for the first time in over 10 years after plans were unveiled this week to expand the town's annual sailing regatta. The event could be turned into a two or three-day event during August.
Exclusive: THE UK's national water-skiing championships could return to Burnham-On-Sea for the first time in over 10 years after plans were unveiled this week to expand the town's annual sailing regatta. The event could be turned into a two or three-day event during August.
New look for High Street shop
A BURNHAM -On-Sea health and beauty shop has had a makeover and re-opened for customers on Saturday morning (January 20th). AS Watson, the owners of the UK-wide chain, announced earlier this month that 200 of its 424 stores in the UK are being rebranded.
A BURNHAM -On-Sea health and beauty shop has had a makeover and re-opened for customers on Saturday morning (January 20th). AS Watson, the owners of the UK-wide chain, announced earlier this month that 200 of its 424 stores in the UK are being rebranded.
Man jailed for four years
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man convicted of sexually abusing two youngsters has been jailed for four years. Clive Lumber, 59, of Ashcott Drive, carried out "an appalling course" of abuse on a boy and girl 20 years ago, Bristol Crown Court (pictured) heard on Thursday.
A BURNHAM-On-Sea man convicted of sexually abusing two youngsters has been jailed for four years. Clive Lumber, 59, of Ashcott Drive, carried out "an appalling course" of abuse on a boy and girl 20 years ago, Bristol Crown Court (pictured) heard on Thursday.
Repairs begin after storms
A BIG repair operation got underway along Burnham's seafront on Friday (Janary 19th) after dozens of decorative illuminations were damaged during Thursday's 75mph storms. Almost half of the town's seafront illuminations were badly damaged during the gales.
A BIG repair operation got underway along Burnham's seafront on Friday (Janary 19th) after dozens of decorative illuminations were damaged during Thursday's 75mph storms. Almost half of the town's seafront illuminations were badly damaged during the gales.
Clamping complaints increase
SEDGEMOOR District Council has this week issued advice to motorists about clamping in the Burnham-On-Sea area after a rise in complaints about clampers. The information comes after a jump in the number of complaints to police and the council during recent months.
SEDGEMOOR District Council has this week issued advice to motorists about clamping in the Burnham-On-Sea area after a rise in complaints about clampers. The information comes after a jump in the number of complaints to police and the council during recent months.
Pool's future looking brighter
The future of Burnham-On-Sea's swimming pool is looking brighter after it was confirmed this week that four major companies are still in the running to operate a pool in the town. Four "significant companies" who operate pools for other local authorities are interested.
The future of Burnham-On-Sea's swimming pool is looking brighter after it was confirmed this week that four major companies are still in the running to operate a pool in the town. Four "significant companies" who operate pools for other local authorities are interested.
Couple has big plans for hotel
THE new owners of a long-running seafront hotel in Burnham-On-Sea have this week pledged to restore it to its former heyday. Joanne and Graham Townley (pictured) aim to modernise the Royal Clarence hotel on Burnham's seafront - but keep its traditional character intact.
THE new owners of a long-running seafront hotel in Burnham-On-Sea have this week pledged to restore it to its former heyday. Joanne and Graham Townley (pictured) aim to modernise the Royal Clarence hotel on Burnham's seafront - but keep its traditional character intact.
Storms give town a battering
FLAGS on the town's pier were wripped to shreds as Burnham-On-Sea bore the brunt of 75mph gales as they swept across the West Country early on Thursday (January 18th). The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for the region, advising of heavy downpours.
FLAGS on the town's pier were wripped to shreds as Burnham-On-Sea bore the brunt of 75mph gales as they swept across the West Country early on Thursday (January 18th). The Met Office issued a severe weather warning for the region, advising of heavy downpours.
Town's business leaders gather
MORE than 25 Burnham-On-Sea traders gathered in the town's Ritz Social Club on Tuesday evening when the Chamber of Trade and Commerce gathered to discuss a number of 'hot topics'. These included plans for a unitary authority, tourism, and conservation.
MORE than 25 Burnham-On-Sea traders gathered in the town's Ritz Social Club on Tuesday evening when the Chamber of Trade and Commerce gathered to discuss a number of 'hot topics'. These included plans for a unitary authority, tourism, and conservation.
Conservation plans unveiled
PROPOSALS to extend Burnham-On-Sea's Conservation Area were formally unveiled on Wednesday (January 17th) at a special meeting in the town. The man behind the plans - James White, Conservation Officer - received the backing of the council's Executive.
PROPOSALS to extend Burnham-On-Sea's Conservation Area were formally unveiled on Wednesday (January 17th) at a special meeting in the town. The man behind the plans - James White, Conservation Officer - received the backing of the council's Executive.
Rare bird spotted on seafront
BIRD watchers in Burnham-On-Sea are all a flutter after a rare Yellow-browed Warbler was spotted on the town's seafront at the southern end of The Esplanade. The bird appeared on the South Esplande, between Quantock Court and Burnham Holiday Village, during recent weeks.
BIRD watchers in Burnham-On-Sea are all a flutter after a rare Yellow-browed Warbler was spotted on the town's seafront at the southern end of The Esplanade. The bird appeared on the South Esplande, between Quantock Court and Burnham Holiday Village, during recent weeks.
Police offer property marking
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will get another chance to deter thieves and get their property marked this weekend. On Saturday, January 20th, Burnham Library is hosting the latest in a series of property marking days between 9.30am and 1pm.
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will get another chance to deter thieves and get their property marked this weekend. On Saturday, January 20th, Burnham Library is hosting the latest in a series of property marking days between 9.30am and 1pm.
Eight arrested by town police
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have made eight arrests during a crackdown on those responsible for criminal damage in the town. Police officers and PCSOs have stepped up patrols during December and early January - and the results have been positive.
Exclusive: BURNHAM-On-Sea police have made eight arrests during a crackdown on those responsible for criminal damage in the town. Police officers and PCSOs have stepped up patrols during December and early January - and the results have been positive.
Shopping study results unveiled
BURNHAM-On-Sea Chamber of Trade and Commerce has published the results of its shoppers feedback scheme. Launched online exclusively via Burnham-On-Sea.com, the Chamber sought shoppers' opinions about what would draw them back into the Town.
BURNHAM-On-Sea Chamber of Trade and Commerce has published the results of its shoppers feedback scheme. Launched online exclusively via Burnham-On-Sea.com, the Chamber sought shoppers' opinions about what would draw them back into the Town.
Call for vote on unitary status
THE leader of Sedgemoor District Council has this week urged the political leaders of Somerset County Council to have a 'free vote' at the conclusion of their crucial debate on Monday 22nd January. Councillors will be deciding on single unitary authority status.
THE leader of Sedgemoor District Council has this week urged the political leaders of Somerset County Council to have a 'free vote' at the conclusion of their crucial debate on Monday 22nd January. Councillors will be deciding on single unitary authority status.
Football club rises from the ashes
WORK to rebuild Berrow Football Club's pavilion following a devastating fire in 2005 is well underway and on target to be completed in April, we can reveal. The club launched a huge fundraising campaign after fire damaged the building in November 2005.
WORK to rebuild Berrow Football Club's pavilion following a devastating fire in 2005 is well underway and on target to be completed in April, we can reveal. The club launched a huge fundraising campaign after fire damaged the building in November 2005.
2007 Brean Rally ready to roar
Eighty six rally teams are set to take part in this month's 2007 Brean Stages Rally when it roars back into action on January 27th and 28th. We were given a first look at the competitors on Monday (January 15th) when scores of drivers took part in a special preview day at Brean Leisure Park.
Eighty six rally teams are set to take part in this month's 2007 Brean Stages Rally when it roars back into action on January 27th and 28th. We were given a first look at the competitors on Monday (January 15th) when scores of drivers took part in a special preview day at Brean Leisure Park.
Urgent jetty repairs get started
THIS was the scene on Burnham-On-Sea's storm-damaged jetty on Monday (January 15th) as urgent repairs got underway following further damage to the landmark over the weekend. Workers used diggers and trucks to remove large chunks of loose tarmac at the end of the jetty.
THIS was the scene on Burnham-On-Sea's storm-damaged jetty on Monday (January 15th) as urgent repairs got underway following further damage to the landmark over the weekend. Workers used diggers and trucks to remove large chunks of loose tarmac at the end of the jetty.
Further storm damage to jetty
BURNHAM-On-Sea's storm-damaged jetty suffered further erosion on Saturday night (January 13th) when gales and waves ripped up further chunks of tarmac, as pictured here. The structure is currently closed due to its dangerous condition and a project to repair the landmark is currently underway.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's storm-damaged jetty suffered further erosion on Saturday night (January 13th) when gales and waves ripped up further chunks of tarmac, as pictured here. The structure is currently closed due to its dangerous condition and a project to repair the landmark is currently underway.
School group holds quiz night
HIGHBRIDGE'S King Alfred School Association is preparing to hold a Quiz Night later this month when all will be welcome. The fundraiser will be held on Friday 26th January from 7.30pm in the school's cafeteria. Tickets go on sale for the event this week.
HIGHBRIDGE'S King Alfred School Association is preparing to hold a Quiz Night later this month when all will be welcome. The fundraiser will be held on Friday 26th January from 7.30pm in the school's cafeteria. Tickets go on sale for the event this week.
Delight for Callum's family
A DISABLED boy from Burnham-On-Sea was celebrating this week after building work to provide him much-needed specialised facilities was completed. Seven-year-old Callum Mackman, who suffers from cerebral palsy, cannot complete everyday tasks.
A DISABLED boy from Burnham-On-Sea was celebrating this week after building work to provide him much-needed specialised facilities was completed. Seven-year-old Callum Mackman, who suffers from cerebral palsy, cannot complete everyday tasks.
Festival marks its 60th year
THIS year's 60th anniversary of Highbridge Festival Of The Arts has been celebrated with the publication of a special souvenir brochure recounting the history of the event. The 40-page publication looks at the festival's many highs and lows since 1947.
THIS year's 60th anniversary of Highbridge Festival Of The Arts has been celebrated with the publication of a special souvenir brochure recounting the history of the event. The 40-page publication looks at the festival's many highs and lows since 1947.
Pub unveils expansion plans
PLANS by a Burnham-On-Sea pub to revamp its premises are set to be discussed by town councillors next week. The plans for a decking area outside the pub in the High Street and various internal alterations will go before the planning committee on January 16th.
PLANS by a Burnham-On-Sea pub to revamp its premises are set to be discussed by town councillors next week. The plans for a decking area outside the pub in the High Street and various internal alterations will go before the planning committee on January 16th.
Comet spotted by astronomer
ONE of the brightest comets for more than 30 years has been spotted on two nights this week by a local astronomer near Burnham-On-Sea. Colonel Greg Dye-Hodge Beardsley captured an image of the McNaught Comet from Steart Point opposite Burnham on Thursday.
ONE of the brightest comets for more than 30 years has been spotted on two nights this week by a local astronomer near Burnham-On-Sea. Colonel Greg Dye-Hodge Beardsley captured an image of the McNaught Comet from Steart Point opposite Burnham on Thursday.
Two boats damaged in storms
TWO boats in the River Brue at Burnham-On-Sea were damaged when 70mph winds broke them free from their moorings on Thursday (Jan 11th). Heavy gales swept the area and Burnham Sailing Club Commodore Terry Moul said two boats suffered some damage.
TWO boats in the River Brue at Burnham-On-Sea were damaged when 70mph winds broke them free from their moorings on Thursday (Jan 11th). Heavy gales swept the area and Burnham Sailing Club Commodore Terry Moul said two boats suffered some damage.
Seafront toilets set to re-open
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront toilets are set to be officially re-opened next week after a major revamp. Sedgemoor District Council has just finished refurbishing the public conveniences on Burnham seafront at a cost of £82,000 and they will be opened on Wednesday Jan 17th.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's seafront toilets are set to be officially re-opened next week after a major revamp. Sedgemoor District Council has just finished refurbishing the public conveniences on Burnham seafront at a cost of £82,000 and they will be opened on Wednesday Jan 17th.
Town 'store wars' step up gear
BURNHAM-On-Sea's 'store wars' stepped up a gear this week when the town's Tesco supermarket unveiled plans to revamp its Love Lane store. With the opening of Highbridge's huge Asda store now just months away, Tesco said it would be refurbishing its store.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's 'store wars' stepped up a gear this week when the town's Tesco supermarket unveiled plans to revamp its Love Lane store. With the opening of Highbridge's huge Asda store now just months away, Tesco said it would be refurbishing its store.
Speedway scheme back for '07
BURNHAM-On-Sea's speedway team, The Somerset Rebels, have this week announced that its successful 'Speedway In The Community' scheme is to continue during 2007. The scheme sees a local community group attending a match and having a trip behind the scenes.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's speedway team, The Somerset Rebels, have this week announced that its successful 'Speedway In The Community' scheme is to continue during 2007. The scheme sees a local community group attending a match and having a trip behind the scenes.
£600 raised for quake victims
HUNDREDS of pounds has been raised for victims of the recent earthquake in the Philippines by Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club members. Several Rotarians spent the New Year weekend collecting at Sanders Garden World, where they raised £600.
HUNDREDS of pounds has been raised for victims of the recent earthquake in the Philippines by Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club members. Several Rotarians spent the New Year weekend collecting at Sanders Garden World, where they raised £600.
Kids tune up for Rotary event
SCHOOL children from across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will be coming together later this month to take part in a big music event being organised by the town's Rotary Club. St Mark's Church in Highbridge will host the first 'Youth Makes Music' event on January 22nd.
SCHOOL children from across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge will be coming together later this month to take part in a big music event being organised by the town's Rotary Club. St Mark's Church in Highbridge will host the first 'Youth Makes Music' event on January 22nd.
Cow killed in A38 road crash
A MOTORIST was left in shock after her car collided with a cow, closing a busy Burnham-On-Sea road on Tuesday night (January 9th). Police closed the A38 at Edithmead after the dark coloured Volvo collided with the animal at the junction of Burnham Moor Lane at 7.55pm.
A MOTORIST was left in shock after her car collided with a cow, closing a busy Burnham-On-Sea road on Tuesday night (January 9th). Police closed the A38 at Edithmead after the dark coloured Volvo collided with the animal at the junction of Burnham Moor Lane at 7.55pm.
Lap dancing decision nears
CONTROVERSIAL plans to introduce lap dancing and extended late night opening hours at a Burnham-On-Sea night club could be given the go-ahead later this month. A public hearing will be held at Bridgwater Magistrates Court on January 22nd to finally decide.
CONTROVERSIAL plans to introduce lap dancing and extended late night opening hours at a Burnham-On-Sea night club could be given the go-ahead later this month. A public hearing will be held at Bridgwater Magistrates Court on January 22nd to finally decide.
Seafront lights off until April
BURNHAM-On-Sea's decorative seafront lights have this week been switched off until the start of the Spring holiday season. The 43 lights were turned on along The Esplanade during the Christmas period to complement the decorations along the High Street during December.
BURNHAM-On-Sea's decorative seafront lights have this week been switched off until the start of the Spring holiday season. The 43 lights were turned on along The Esplanade during the Christmas period to complement the decorations along the High Street during December.
Opera singer returns to area
OPERA music fans will be flocking to a church near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday January 20th when a local singer returns to the area to perform a night of music. Tim Pitman will be performing at St Peter's and All Hallows in West Huntspill from 7.30pm for an evening of fundraising.
OPERA music fans will be flocking to a church near Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday January 20th when a local singer returns to the area to perform a night of music. Tim Pitman will be performing at St Peter's and All Hallows in West Huntspill from 7.30pm for an evening of fundraising.
Fears on Highbridge 'gridlock'
TOWN councillors have this week hit out at the County Council's seven-month closure of a busy Highbridge road junction, saying it raises "serious safety concerns." At Monday's council meeting, Cllr John Morgan said the closure of Burnham Road had been poorly planned.
TOWN councillors have this week hit out at the County Council's seven-month closure of a busy Highbridge road junction, saying it raises "serious safety concerns." At Monday's council meeting, Cllr John Morgan said the closure of Burnham Road had been poorly planned.
3.4% increase for council tax
BURNHAM-On-Sea town council's precept - its portion of our council tax rates - is set to rise by 3.45 per cent during 2007, it was confirmed this week. The town council's Policy and Finance Committee proposed a total precept requirement of £279,486, which was endorsed.
BURNHAM-On-Sea town council's precept - its portion of our council tax rates - is set to rise by 3.45 per cent during 2007, it was confirmed this week. The town council's Policy and Finance Committee proposed a total precept requirement of £279,486, which was endorsed.
Major M5 project gets started
A MAJOR £2million project to introduce a quieter, safer road surface on the M5 at Burnham-On-Sea started on Monday (January 8th). The work will take place between Junctions 22 and 23 and will involve improving drainage as well as resurfacing the carriageway.
A MAJOR £2million project to introduce a quieter, safer road surface on the M5 at Burnham-On-Sea started on Monday (January 8th). The work will take place between Junctions 22 and 23 and will involve improving drainage as well as resurfacing the carriageway.
'Green' plans to be discussed
PLANS to extend Burnham-On-Sea's conservation area will be among the topics to be discussed at a meeting of Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade and Commerce next week. The group will throw open up its doors to businesses on Tuesday January 16th.
PLANS to extend Burnham-On-Sea's conservation area will be among the topics to be discussed at a meeting of Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade and Commerce next week. The group will throw open up its doors to businesses on Tuesday January 16th.
Singer performs at town club
A HIGHLY-regarded singer-songwriter is set to perform in Burnham-On-Sea's Ritz Acousitic Club later this month. Tickets have gone on sale for the event, on Thursday January 18th, when the club will play host to south-west singer-songwriter Diana Johnstone.
A HIGHLY-regarded singer-songwriter is set to perform in Burnham-On-Sea's Ritz Acousitic Club later this month. Tickets have gone on sale for the event, on Thursday January 18th, when the club will play host to south-west singer-songwriter Diana Johnstone.
Xmas winners receive awards
THE efforts of local residents in decorating their homes with festive lights over the Christmas period were recognised on Monday (January 8th) at an award ceremony. Trophies and certificates were handed to the winners of the Town Council's Christmas Lights competition.
THE efforts of local residents in decorating their homes with festive lights over the Christmas period were recognised on Monday (January 8th) at an award ceremony. Trophies and certificates were handed to the winners of the Town Council's Christmas Lights competition.
'Tax could rise' under shake-up
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents could face higher tax bills if a planned shake-up of local government in Somerset goes ahead, according to campaigners fighting the proposals. A vote by Somerset County Council will be held on Monday January 22nd on the controversial plans.
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents could face higher tax bills if a planned shake-up of local government in Somerset goes ahead, according to campaigners fighting the proposals. A vote by Somerset County Council will be held on Monday January 22nd on the controversial plans.
Wintry end to month for town?
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents could wake up to wintry scenes like this later in January when the area is forecast to get its first real taste of winter. The Met Office is predicting Burnham and the rest of the West Country will see temperatures falling below zero.
BURNHAM-On-Sea residents could wake up to wintry scenes like this later in January when the area is forecast to get its first real taste of winter. The Met Office is predicting Burnham and the rest of the West Country will see temperatures falling below zero.
Fire crews tackle two blazes
BURNHAM-On-Sea firefighters tackled two small blazes in the area on Saturday (January 6th). One engine was called to a fire underneath a silo at furniture makers Woodberry Brothers in Highbridge on Saturday morning, which was quickly extinguished.
BURNHAM-On-Sea firefighters tackled two small blazes in the area on Saturday (January 6th). One engine was called to a fire underneath a silo at furniture makers Woodberry Brothers in Highbridge on Saturday morning, which was quickly extinguished.
£30k shops project kicks off
A £30,000 project to enhance the physical appearance of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge has been launched this week. The Shop Front Grant Scheme has launched this week with the aim of enhancing the character of shopfronts across the two towns.
A £30,000 project to enhance the physical appearance of Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge has been launched this week. The Shop Front Grant Scheme has launched this week with the aim of enhancing the character of shopfronts across the two towns.
Town centre hit by power cut
DOZENS of homes in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea were without power for over two hours on Saturday (January 6th) following a fault at a sub-station. A total of 38 homes and shops in the Cross Street, Esplanade and College Street areas were without power from 11.58am.
DOZENS of homes in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea were without power for over two hours on Saturday (January 6th) following a fault at a sub-station. A total of 38 homes and shops in the Cross Street, Esplanade and College Street areas were without power from 11.58am.
Lotto winners buy a caravan!
A GLOUCESTERSHIRE couple who won £2.4million on the National Lottery last weekend are set to splash out... on a new caravan in Burnham-On-Sea! Retired council groundsman Bryan Crook, 65, and partner Janice Giles, 69, scooped the top lotto prize last weekend.
A GLOUCESTERSHIRE couple who won £2.4million on the National Lottery last weekend are set to splash out... on a new caravan in Burnham-On-Sea! Retired council groundsman Bryan Crook, 65, and partner Janice Giles, 69, scooped the top lotto prize last weekend.
