DOZENS of people have expressed outrage at the prospect of Taunton Flower Show leaving its home of 166 years.

The event, which attracts thousands of spectators and participants, is being staged in Vivary Park on August 4 and 5.

But that's likely to be the last time it is staged at the town centre venue after Taunton Deane Borough Council imposed a five-figure cost - it had previously been free.

Deane leader Cllr John Williams has defended the move by the council.

Here's what he says: “There is concern that Taunton Deane Borough Council is denying Taunton Flower Show access to Vivary Park as a venue for the well respected and long established Taunton Flower Show.

"Nothing could be further from the truth.

"As part of budget setting it was agreed by the council that all users of the parks and open spaces, except Friends Associations, should pay a fair and proportionate fee for the use of our wonderful parks and open spaces when organising events.

"This was approved in 2016 for implementation in 2017 and received cross party support.

"In recognition of the good work done by charities including Taunton Flower Show, the charging schedule included a substantial 20% discount.

"There is a clear commitment from the council that all funds raised from these charges will be applied to the ongoing maintenance of the parks and it is good to see that Taunton Flower Show do recognise the very serious financial constraints the council is operating under.

"We are sorry they consider these charges unsustainable as they are probably the heaviest user with large vehicles that do place heavy wear and tear on the roads and paths.

"It is plain to see that Vivary Park does need ongoing maintenance and this becomes very expensive particularly when added to the general upkeep of the park.

"We have offered to assist the flower show by only charging the days they are on site so encouraging then to reduce the time they book the Park for their two day show from the 15 days they have booked.

"That would make a substantial difference to their charges and not reflect on the show in any way.

"We are quite happy to work with the flower show organisers and minimise their costs as any reduction in time they make saves them charges and releases the park for the purpose intended as a place of recreation for our community.

"Fortunately we are nowhere near the plight of a lot of councils with unfortunate headlines proclaiming closure or abandonment of their lovely parks and green spaces but we only achieve this by planning and investing for the future and these charges now introduced are all part of that long term strategy to ensure our open spaces remain cared for and welcoming to all who wish to use them.”