AN 18-month trial to make three Taunton streets people-friendly has been postponed until next year. 

Taunton Deane Borough Council's trial was originally said to be taking place in autumn 2017, but it has since been delayed following the consultation. 

The plan would see East Street closed to all traffic apart from buses and cyclists, Hammet Street closed to vehicles during the day, and St James Street between North Street and Lower Middle Street pedestrianised.

The push-back is said to be because businesses in the area did not want to the trial to begin in the run up to Christmas. 

A TDBC spokesman said: "The trial scheme to make changes to East Street, Hammet Street and St James Street to improve the public realm in Taunton town centre is due to start early next year.

"Taunton Deane and Somerset County Council are currently working on the finer details of the changes needed to begin the trial, taking into account the detailed feedback received during the consultation.

"In particular the council has listened to the feedback from businesses and retailers whose clear message was not to change things in the run-up to Christmas, a key trading period.

"Some 75 per cent of those responding agreed that changes were needed to the public realm in the town centre and there will be publicity well in advance so that people are aware of the detailed proposals."