THE managing director of a landmark shop in Taunton has come out in favour of controversial plans to pedestrianise a town centre street.

A number of traders have come out in opposition to plans to ban cars from St James Street, with the scheme delayed by Taunton Deane Borough Council amid the protests.

Now, the managing director of Granny Smiths Fruit Shop, based in St James Street, has come out in favour of the plan, which he says would be 'for the benefit of the local area and our customers'.

Writing to your County Gazette, Mr Diment said: "It is not the case that every trader in St James Street is against the proposed pedestrianisation of the street.

"While respecting other traders views in the area, I listen very often to customers complaining about the mixture of traffic and pedestrians in a relatively narrow street."

However, he said A boards placed on the walkways along the busy street, far from forcing people into the street, actually helped safety.

"The A boards, while also being complained about sometimes, do actually keep traffic towards the middle of the road, away from shop fronts, (our shop blinds have been hit by lorries many times) affording shoppers some protection from the traffic," he said.

And he said while banning cars from the area may have an impact on traffic, it was a good move for customers.

"I think we need to listen to the most important people in the area, our customers," Mr Diment added.

"I am in favour of the pedestrianisation of St James Street, for the benefit of the local area and our customers. We should not ignore their opinions.

"I appreciate there may be a detrimental effect on the town centre traffic, but if that proves too problematical in the fullness of time, we would obviously need to think again."