EFFORTS to pedestrianise Taunton’s town centre have hit a further snag.

Taunton Deane Borough Council has been working with Somerset County Council to remove traffic from St James Street, Hammet Street and East Street, in a bid to make the town centre safer for pedestrians and cyclists and more attractive to visitors.

The closure of a small section of St James Street will go ahead in early-2019, pending the completion of planned roadworks in the area.

But work on Hammet Street and East Street has been pushed back after the county council objected on safety grounds.

Taunton Deane deputy leader Mark Edwards confirmed the state of affairs at a full council meeting in Taunton on Tuesday (December 11).

He said: “Phase one, covering the permanent closure of St James Street between North Street and Lower Middle Street, will begin in the new year.

“Phase two, which will see an 18-month trial closure of Hammet Street and East Street to all vehicles except buses and cyclists, will follow.”

READ MORE: Could plans to pedestrianise Taunton be shelved?

Martin Pakes, who lives in the Coal Orchard area of town, said the closure of this section of St James Street would “divert traffic along some pretty circuitous routes”.

He added: “The traders have had a pretty tough time with the demolition and are likely to have a tough time next year. Surely this is not the time for an experiment like this?”

Resident Roger House asked the council to go further, stating: “I welcome the proposed traffic restrictions to St James’ Street, but is also time to close North Street – for a properly pedestrian town centre.

“North Street is a natural point to bring tourists. The cost would be less than the East Street proposals. Even with lower levels of economic trade in the future, we could still capture coach traffic if we’re quick.”

Feedback on the St James Street proposals can be registered on the county council’s website – www.somerset.gov.uk – until December 31.

Councillor Richard Parrish, portfolio holder for planning policy and transport  strategy, confirmed the closure would be implemented early in the new year if feedback was positive.

He said: “Should it pass we will be looking to implement the closure from late-January or early-February next year.

“This is subject to discussions with the county council as there are roadworks planned on East Reach and Bridge Street in the new year, so an exact date is yet to be fixed.”

Mr Parrish said implementing the trial on Hammet Street and East Street at the same time was “not achievable” because of concerns raised in a county council “safety audit”.

He elaborated in his written report: “Hammet Street will be put back to August or September 2019, along with East Street.

“Both streets will be subject to further public consultation, which is scheduled for May 2019.”