THE manager of Burnham’s Pavilion says concerns over the effects of the winter weather have led her to postpone its expansion until next spring.

Louise Parkin, who manages the attraction on The Esplanade, said all the materials for the new £60,000 retracting roof were “bought and paid for.”

She explained a business decision was made to hold off on building the extension in case any bad weather this winter caused problems.

She said: “We thought that because things of this nature are hi-tech and complicated, there could be some teething problems.

“The roof will be able to withstand anything up to gale force nine winds but anything stronger than that and we would need to open the roof in case it breaks.

“We thought it was too big a risk with the winter weather in case we were unable to open the roof and the company also said that it would make good sense to wait.”

In March this year the Pavilion was given approval for work to install the folding roof and other improvements costing £100,000.

Sedgemoor District Councillors said they were keen to help the economic vibrancy of the pier, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

Louise, whose family has run the Pavilion for generations, added: “I want it to be all singing, all dancing and I cannot wait for it to go up.

“I want to be open all year round, right through the winter months and this will allow me to do that.”