'Don't let Marine Cove go to the scrapheap' - warning (From Burnham & Highbridge Weekly News)

'Don't let Marine Cove go to the scrapheap' - warning

8:20am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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URGENTLY needed repair works on seafront attraction Marine Cove in Burnham have received a cash boost this week - but the money comes with a stark warning.

The beauty spot has been awarded nearly £30,000 of lottery funding but town councillor Neville Jones, who is behind the bid, fears the revamp project could still go the same way as Burnham's other past 'failures'.

He told the Weekly News: “Of course we are delighted but three times already we have got to the stage where we have been awarded some money only for the scheme to never happen.”

Cllr Jones was referring to the now-defunct Civic Pride town centre regeneration plans, the Burnham cultural quarter scheme, and proposals for a new garden on the South Esplanade.

He added: “This money is for a so-called expert to come in and assess what needs to be done and we still have to raise over £330,000 in total.

“Marine Cove is dear to me and is a real asset to the whole town and I don't want us to be led up the garden path and then find out there is no more money.”

The latest cash award for Marine Cove will be followed up by a further application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to make up the outstanding amount still needed to complete the work.

Marine Cove has been repeatedly targeted by vandals over the years and the makeover plan will see the gardens receive a major overhaul.

HLF chairman Dame Jenny Abramsky said: “Parks are enjoyed by everyone and this initial support will help bring about a series of transformations which will be enjoyed by future generations.”

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