Residents gather to support pedestrianisation of St James Street, Taunton

Despite the heavy rain, around 30 residents gathered at St James Street to urge Taunton Deane Borough Council to hurry up with its plans to pedestrianise the street.

The authority announced plans to make changes to three streets in the town centre, including banning cars in St James Street

It was originally intended to move forward in autumn 2017 - but has since been delayed multiple times. Until cllr Richard Parrish announced in October the plans would go ahead in January next year - at least, part of it.

READ MORE: Could Taunton's pedestrianisation plans be shelved?

But some Taunton residents say changes need to be made sooner rather than later.

Groups such as Taunton Transition Town and Taunton Area Cycling Campaign, alongside other residents, to show support for the car ban.

SUPPORT: The residents gathered at St James Street 

Mike Ginger, TACC, said: "I come into town quite a bit, I prefer to do shopping in town. I think Taunton has a lot of potential, its a really attractive town. But the problem is most the streets do have a lot of traffic, the environment could be a lot better with people walking and cycling

"There's lots of experience across Europe and the UK where traffic has been massively reduced in sensitive streets, and they become more attractive."

Pip Sheard, Taunton resident, said: "If you look at what the cars have done to this pavement, what happens is people have to look out for the cars, and at the same time have to try and negotiate the broken pavement.

"It's really difficult for people like me, who have trouble crossing the road.

"It's obviously been done out for pedestrianisation some time ago, and I don't understand why it hasn't happened.

"Look at the conditions, you've got puddles and broken pavement, cars constantly coming, it's not a good environment for shoppers."

Former town planner, Phil Bisset, says the town is falling decades behind.

He said: "Taunton is lagging 20 years behind other county towns in controlling traffic and a proper pedestrianised town centre.

"It's high-time we got on with it.

"We've got the third way road that's been built for six years ago, we are still waiting for the improvements that should have brought.

"I think the county council and Taunton Deane really need to get on with it now."

Another resident, Bob Rawle, who has lived in Taunton since 1976, says St James Street has always been a 'nightmare'.

He said: "It's too narrow for traffic and shoppers. The sooner it's pedestrianised, the better."

Other issues pointed out were the A boards that line the street, making it even harder for pedestrians to navigate the road.

Resident Dixie Darch said: "I often shop in St James Street. It is a lovely street and could be so pleasant for people walking. Instead, pedestrians have to compete with continuous traffic and A boards.

"Often people are driving too fast as if the street is a primary car route rather than a place to enjoy, and it feels like we are being pushed to the narrow sides. Making the street car free would provide a real asset to the town centre."

Taunton Transition Town member, Fran Hicks said: "St James Street represents a poor image for Taunton, with its intimidating mix of people walking, broken surface tiles and rapid traffic. It is supposed to be part of the proposed pedestrian and cycle route connecting the upgraded railway station to the town centre. If the council's are serious about 'Garden Town' they should get on with this simple scheme."

Some traders on St James Street say the plans could 'kill' the town.

READ MORE: 'This could kill the town': Traders' fears over Taunton pedestrianisation plan

Giri Chapman, of Alpha Clothing, previously told the County Gazette: "This could kill the town.

"Retail is already struggling. We can't afford to do this and get it wrong.

"If cars are queuing to go through Taunton, how's that going to help business?"

Keith Lowe, manager of Orchard Shopping Centre, said: "Nobody listens to us.

"Pedestrianisation is an imposition. Nobody asked for it.

"It's going to kick retail into touch - we're 855,000 people in the town centre down year on year.

"What mechanisms are being put in place? Who's monitoring it and will it be put back if it goes wrong?"