THERE were more than 2,000 people in Taunton town centre at one stage yesterday (Monday).

The peak time was around 11am on the first day of non-essential shops opening for the first time in around three months following lockdown.

Figures published by Somerset West and Taunton Council show an influx of people from about 8am, when 'footfall' was over 500.

After it peaked late morning, it then dropped back slightly and hovered around 1,500 between 2pm and 4pm, falling off in the late afternoon.

With bars and eat in restaurants closed, it was unsurpsiringly quiet in the evening.

Commenting on a footfall graph showing visitors to the town centre, a Somerset West and Taunton spokesman said: "This hourly tracker for footfall in Taunton town centre on Monday 15th June indicates that early morning and late afternoons are the quieter times to visit."