TAUNTON is in the grips of ICC Cricket World Cup fever, with three matches spread over nine days.

Preparations for the first match on Saturday include banners and displays in vacant shop windows around the town and a blue postbox in North Street.

And a fan zone is being set up on Castle Green on Saturday and Sunday, giving fans the chance to catch live action from tournament matches broadcast on a big screen.

The free-to-enter area will also feature cricket activities, a range of multi-cultural food, music and entertainment.

Taunton is one of ten venues chosen to stage matches in the 50-overs competition.

Tournament managing director, Steve Elworthy, said: "The support from our host cities and towns has been phenomenal, and we’re delighted to be able to continue the strong partnerships with the ground-breaking fan engagement plan throughout the tournament."

Director of city and spectator experience, Paul Smith, said: "The celebrations will deliver a real party atmosphere, bringing the cultural melting pot of the UK to a mix of people from all over the world who are there to celebrate their love for cricket in a very relaxed and friendly way.

"It will be the perfect opportunity for each of our host cities and towns to show the world their unique culture and friendly hospitality.

"These venues will serve as informal and joyful meeting points, from where I am sure fans will take some of their best memories from the amazing event we will host this summer."

Somerset County Gazette:

The County Ground, home to Somerset County Cricket Club, is hosting three games - Afghanistan v New Zealand on Saturday (June 8); Australia v Pakistan, Wednesday, June 12; and West Indies v Bangladesh on Monday, June 17.

Motorists are being warned of disruption in and around the town centre during the tournament.


READ MORE: How you can get involved in the Cricket World Cup in Taunton


The following closures have been advertised by Somerset County Council:

Schedule 1 - vehicle ban from Friday, June 7 at 7pm until Monday, June 10 at 6am:

*The Bridge from its junction with Tangier Way/Bridge Street to its junction with St James Street.

*The A3027 North Street.

*The A 3027 Fore Street from Corporation Street to East Street.

*The A3027 East Street between Fore Street and Silver Street.

*Hammet Street.

*Corporation Street, except for taxis, event vehicles and buses.

*Tower Street from its junction with Castle Street to Castle Way, except for taxis, event vehicles and buses.

*Castle Green to its junction with Castle Bow, except for taxis, event vehicles and buses, and access to the Castle Hotel.

*Castle Way, except for taxis, event vehicles and buses, and access to the Castle Hotel.

Schedule 2 - waiting ban from Friday, June 7 at 7pm until Monday, June 10 at 6am, except for blue badge holders:

*Billet Street, east side unction with Hurdle Way to Apley Row.

Schedule 3 - waiting, loading and unloading ban from Friday, June 7 a7 7pm until Monday, June 10 at 6am:

*The Crescent.

Schedule 4 - vehicle ban from 11am to midnight on Monday, June 10:

*St James Street from its junction with The Bridge to Priory Avenue.

*Lower Middle Street and Middle Street.

*Canon Street between Priory Avenue and Canon Street Car Park.

*Priory Avenue from Canon Street to St Augustine Street.

*St Augustine Street between Priory Avenue and Priory Bridge Road.

*Priory Bridge Road from its junction with Dellers Wharf to the junction with St Augustine Street.

Schedule 5 - vehicle ban between 8am and 8pm on Wednesday, June 12:

*St James Street from The Bridge junction to Priory Avenue.

*Lower Middle Street and Middle Street.

*Priory Avenue from its junction with Canon Street to St Augustine Street.

*St Augustine Street between Priory Avenue and Priory Bridge Road.

*Canon Street from its junction with Priory Avenue to the entrance to Canon Street Car Park.

*A3038 Priory Bridge Road between Dellers Wharf and St Augustine Street.

Schedule 6 - vehicle ban from 8am to 8pm on Monday, June 17:

*St James Street from The Bridge to Priory Avenue.

*Lower Middle Street and Middle Street.

*Canon Street from its junction with Priory Avenue to the entrance to Canon Street Car Park.

*Priory Avenue from Canon Street to St Augustine Street.

*St Augustine Street between Priory Avenue and Priory Bridge Road.

*Priory Bridge Road from its junction with Dellers Wharf to the junction with St Augustine Street.

Somerset County Gazette: