PLANS to make Taunton town centre more appealing for pedestrians have received a cautious welcome from traders.
Major works to repair worn out and scruffy pavements and make the town more attractive and safer for visitors will start in Bridge Street on Monday (January 7).
The scheme, which also covers High Street, Station Road, East Reach and Hammet Street, is being jointly funded by Somerset County and Taunton Deane Borough Councils.
East Reach Traders Association secretary Denise Cross, of County Flowers, said: “It sounds like good news.
“We had a sink hole outside here a couple of New Year’s Eves ago, so something needs to be done.
“And yes, the pavements need looking at, but it all depends how long they’re going to close East Reach off.
“They’ve said they’re doing High Street a bit at a time so businesses can still trade - I hope they’ll be as generous to us.
“I’ve got two big events coming up with Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, so if I can’t get near the shop on those dates it will be bad for me.”
WELCOME: Denise Cross, of County Flowers in Taunton
Jane Adams, of Jane Adams Salon, has had problems for several years with clients getting splashed by passing vehicles during wet weather, when puddles form at the side of the road.
She said: “Pedestrian improvements are long overdue. It’s a health and safety issue at the moment.
“The councils need to invest back into Taunton and improving things for pedestrians will help attract new business to Taunton town centre and encourage people to use our town instead of going to Bristol and Exeter.”
Cllr John Woodman, cabinet member at County Hall for highways and transport, 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, TDBC deputy leader, 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 next week.”
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