Taunton version of Monopoly on the cards

7:47am Thursday 6th March 2008

TAUNTON could have its own customised Monopoly board - with a little help from County Gazette readers.

The county town is one of four Somerset places competing for its version of the popular property buying game.

If it wins, then Mayfair could be replaced by the County Musuem, Fenchurch Street Station could become Taunton Station and Trafalgar Square might be Vivary Park.

In the X-Factor style race, with members of the public having the final say, Taunton is up against Bridgwater, Wells and Yeovil.

Games firm Winning Moves UK has the licence from Monopoly owners Hasbro to make the customised version.

Mark Marriott, from Winning Moves, said: "One of the quartet will pass go and get its very own customised official board in time for Christmas.

"The spirit and shape of the board will be identical to the original game, with colours, prices and rules the same.

"The only difference is that the street names will take on a local feel and flavour."

The playing pieces could also change - the boot might become a bottle of cider or the car could instead be a skittle.

Mr Marriott added: "It's down to the great Somerset public - e-mail vote lines have been set up and will be open until midnight on April 30.

"All the major stores have confirmed they will be stocking the game and we believe it will become Somerset's Christmas Number One game - as well as being a collector's item."

The winner will be announced in May - so readers should get voting for the county town at taunton@winningmoves.co.uk What do you think about the idea of a Taunton version of Monopoly? Leve your comments below.