Council threat to Victorian wreck

The wreck has remained on the beach for more than 100 years

An old wreck which has been lying on a Somerset beach since 1897 could be removed to make the stretch safer for jet skiers.

The remains of the Norwegian ship, the Nornen, are hidden by high tides and, it is thought, could be a danger to the skiers at Berrow, near Burnham-on-Sea.

But the wreck of the Nornen is held in affection by many of the local population.

Phil Cooke, a Berrow newsagent, said: "It's been on Berrow beach for 106 years and never caused a safety problem before.

"But now we understand that Sedgemoor District Council want to remove it for safety reasons."

A council spokesman said: "The Executive Committee, after having listened to the strength of feeling about potential removal, have decided to set up a meeting with the Council's insurers, ward councillor, parish council and representatives from the community.

"This meeting will further investigate the possibility of reducing the risks identified without complete removal of the wreck, whilst maintaining a duty of care to the general public and wider navigational issues."

The beach became the centre of media attention in June 2002 when five-year-old Lelaina Hall from Worcester was drowned there.