A SCHEME to pedestrianise stretches of road in Taunton town centre is set to be implemented later this year.

The project will see East Street closed to all traffic apart from buses and cyclists, while Hammet Street will be vehicle-free during the day and St James Street between North Street and Lower Middle Street will be pedestrianised.

The changes, which would operate as part of an 18-month trial, were originally scheduled for late last year, but put back to avoid clashing with Christmas trading.

They were then put back to early this year, but Taunton Deane Borough Council is still unable to give a firm date for their implementation.

Cllr Roger Habgood, executive councillor for planning policy and transportation at the Deane House, said: "The council remains committed to implementing public space improvements in the town centre as part of our wider garden town initiative.

"We are currently working with Somerset County Council colleagues on a detailed plan for introducing these improvements during 2018, and will be communicating a proposed timetable as soon as possible."