MANY traders have two gripes about the council's plans to pedestrianise three streets in the centre of Taunton - first they haven't been consulted, second they don't like the idea.

So, Taunton Chamber of Commerce members spent many hours drawing up their own proposals of boosting the town's appeal by introducing one-way traffic around the centre.

But committee member Colin Barrell said Taunton Deane Council gave the suggestions short shrift and failed to even respond, for which he was this week offered an apology.

The chamber plan sees one-way traffic from Bridge Street through North Street and Fore Street as far as East Street.

There would also be single-file vehicles along Corporation Street into the centre, linking up with East Street via the Burma Memorial roundabout.

Hammet Street would switch to one-way from the memorial as far as St Mary Magdalene Church.

There would be seating areas, a cycleway, parking bays, tree planting, restricted road widths and surface changes at certain points to reduce speeds and crossing points.

Chamber president Nigel Pearce said: "The proposals are the chamber's idea of a solution, but were the results of discussions with the town retailers.

"They are seen as a way of improving the public realm by improving the areas for pedestrians, but at the same time retaining some traffic movement and parking, particularly in East Street for those wishing or needing to park nearer the facilities.

"It would also support the evening economy by keeping some movement and vitality in the areas."