MAJOR works to repair and improve pedestrian areas and pavements in Taunton town centre will take place in the new year.

High Street, Bridge Street, Station Road, East Reach and Hammet Street will all be subject to improvements under the scheme, which is being jointly funded by Somerset County Council and Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC).

The work will see pavements and pedestrianised areas improved, and comes after it was revealed plans to pedestrianise other parts of Taunton town centre had been delayed.

Councillor John Woodman, cabinet member for highways and transport at the county council, said: “We’re very pleased to be joining forces with TDBC on a package of works to smarten up the town centre.

“We’ve planned this for after Christmas to minimise any disruption to businesses and we’ll also ensure our site teams are in close contact with traders to ensure access to shops and businesses is maintained at all times.”

Cllr Mark Edwards, deputy leader at TDBC, said: “The council is committed to enhancing the town centre to create a welcoming, pleasant environment for pedestrians which will also benefit our local traders.

“Investing in this joint project to improve the network of well-used pavements is part of our wider aspirations for growth and development in Taunton, and we look forward to work starting in the New Year.”

Works are scheduled to begin on Bridge Street on Monday 7 January. You can stay up to date with progress by following @TravelSomerset on Twitter. Visit www.travelsomerset.co.uk for more information about roadworks schemes and traffic and travel updates.