BERROW Beach will be closed to vehicles on Thursday (August 13) as there are no staff to oversee the car parking on the beach.

Sedgemoor District Council, which managed Berrow Beach, has apologised to beach users for closing the car parking facilities at the beach.

The council said on a typical summers’ day there are up to 250-300 cars that park on the sand and beach-goers will still be able to access the beach on foot.

A spokesperson for Sedgemoor District Council, said: "It is very regrettable, but SDC will not a have trained and experienced member of staff available on that day to oversee the car parking on the beach.

"It is a skilled and complex role, which needs someone who is completely au fait with the conditions, tides and danger spots on the beach.

"As has been witnessed several time in the last few weeks, some holiday-makers have ignored safety advice and have had their vehicles stuck in the mud and swamped by the extremely fast and dangerous incoming tides.

"Beach safety staff are well versed in helping holiday-makers; liaising with the coastguard, BARB and the other emergency services. That is why this job can’t be done by any other member of staff. SDC apologises for the inconvenience. "