A LEADING councillor has hit back at claims 'nothing is possible' after the ruling group was accused of failing to implement a single scheme from a £23 million wishlist.

The majority Conservative group on Taunton Deane Borough Council said the projects are 'long-term' and the authority is investing massive amounts on other schemes.

Cllr Habib Farbahi (LibDem) claimed 15 schemes, including Taunton town centre improvements and regeneration, Firepool land assembly, St James Pool demolition, transport schemes and flood alleviation, were still pending. He said they "were meant to be delivered by the end of March 2018".

"Not one of these projects was completed within this period," added Mr Farbahi.

"It has created a new expression that, with the current Tory administration, 'nothing is possible'.

"But when it comes to handing out tens of millions of pounds of business tax and council taxpayers' cash for speculative ventures such as financing a hotel chain and a privatised car parking initiative, bailing out the almost bankrupt West Somerset Council and refurbishment of the Deane House, this administration is bending over backwards to hand out money."

Mr Farbahi said LibDem suggestions of setting up high-tech business start-up units and cultural and sporting facilities are dismissed by the Conservatives, who say there are insufficient funds.

He added: "The Tories, having failed to complete the simplest projects on schedule, are determined to squander millions on schemes destined to fail from the start."

Cllr Roger Habgood, executive councillor for planning and transportation, said the "long-term projects" never had a March completion date and accused Mr Habib of "talking Taunton down".

He said: "There's a massive amount being invested in Taunton by the council, Somerset County Council, the Government and private investors.

"Around £270 million is being invested in Taunton, with the prospect of a further £500,000 in the future.

"As a council we are investing £16.6 million in growth and development from our New Homes Bonus, demonstrating our commitment to Taunton Deane and its economy."

Mr Habgood said a major flood alleviation scheme will take several years; planning permission has been granted for developments at Firepool and Coal Orchard; and office space and industrial land has been provided, while Nexus 25 employment site and improvements to Junction 25 of the M5 are in the pipeline.