I AM writing to you with reference to the proposed ‘regeneration of Taunton’.

Having retired from running my own business in Taunton after 35 years, I have seen various attempts in similar schemes.

In addition, I have attended many council meetings with despondency!

READ MORE: The £1billion dream to transform the county town

One that stands out is the lack of development at the Old Market/Firepool area.

This has been in the spotlight for the past 10 years or so, with the council spending a considerable sum on tarting it up, to no avail!

With the possible introduction of a unitary council (which Somerset County Council is pushing rigorously), I feel it is grossly unfair on towns such as Frome, Yeovil, Shepton Mallet etc, in contributing with no local benefit.

Where do these boffins on the councils think the finance is coming from in the present/future economic climate?

We all know the country is in very dire straits.

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Finally, my grandchildren and many others will be paying this debt off over the next 40/50 years.

Are people aware that the present development in the Taunton area - of housing/industrial buildings - brings in a vast amount of extra finance, in particular if they reach or exceed housing targets, together with additional charges for planning and many other items?

This is in addition to the government grant contribution, which normally includes an extra amount for inflation.

What the council requires is people with business knowledge/experience in order to run a vastly more efficient system, and not those officers/councillors who just raise their hands to nod things through!

We have a local entrepreneur, Deborah Meaden, of Dragons' Den fame, who would fit most admirably with her vast business experience.

So come on Taunton Deane, be realistic with your dreams!

PETER SMITH
Bridgwater