The Friends of Berrow Beach, a dedicated group responsible for regular beach clean-ups, were taken aback when Somerset Council abruptly canceled their public liability insurance, effective immediately.
The group, known for its tireless efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of Berrow Beach, expressed their dismay over the council’s unexpected decision. Nigel Hoy, a member of the group, reached out to Ashley Fox, MP for Bridgwater, to address the issue.
Following a visit to the group, Fox commented, “It was a pleasure to meet with the Friends of Berrow Beach and express my appreciation for their invaluable contribution to our community. Volunteers like these are the backbone of our society, and their dedication to keeping Berrow Beach clean is commendable.
“I am troubled by Somerset Council’s sudden withdrawal of their public liability insurance without prior notice. I will be contacting the Leader of Somerset Council to request a thorough review of this decision. My goal is to ensure that the Friends of Berrow Beach can continue their essential work in the near future.”
Nigel Hoy also spoke on the matter, saying, “It was great to have Ashley visit Berrow Beach so we could showcase the critical work we do. Without our volunteers, the beach will inevitably fall into disrepair, impacting both locals and tourists. I hope Somerset Council will reconsider and acknowledge the significance of our efforts.”
In response, Somerset Council confirmed the cancellation of the group’s public liability insurance but assured that they remain committed to supporting volunteer initiatives. A council spokesperson stated, “The Friends of Berrow Beach were informed on June 10, 2024, of the immediate withdrawal of their public liability insurance. This action was taken because the current policy does not cover volunteers engaged in beach cleaning activities.
“We are actively exploring alternative ways to support these valuable volunteer groups and will engage in discussions with them to identify potential solutions.”
