WITH the closure of yet another shop, an iconic one at that, the county town is sliding further into decline.

For the last 10 years planning for the future, apart from housing without the requisite planning for schools etc, has lacked any progressive thinking.

Somerset County Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council have a lot to answer for.

A decade ago several businesses wished to have an area near the M5 for development. This was refused, so where are they now?

Bridgwater, along with the new police station and market. Of course these plans are just now being developed for our area.

Firepool has been an eyesore for 10 years, with a little investment the area could have been used as a large car park, at least this would have brought in some income!

RELATED: County Stores in Taunton set to close

The North Road, two years behind completion and several million pounds over budget, will not help traffic flow for the area.

Business rates in Taunton are astronomical, with little coming back to the town.

I am sure there are many other instances of poor planning and wasted money, however we can be proud of the park and hanging baskets in town!

From a sad Taunton resident.

HELEN COTTRELL
Taunton