SPACE and infrastructure for six new market stalls or food traders has been set up by the council on Taunton High Street.

Somerset West and Taunton is currently searching for new traders to express their interest in the project.

The exact location of the new traders is on the street from the top of the High Street down to about in line with the Cricketers Pub.

A spokesperson from the council said: "Following new infrastructure which has been installed at the top end of the High Street in Taunton, we are now seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for new street traders."

The infrastructure that has been installed has been confirmed as electricity and other mains needed for vendors, not any physical structures.

"Taunton High Street benefits from 100,000 (average) footfall impressions a month thanks to a strong mix of food and hospitality businesses and we are keen to hear from people who can enrich and diversify the areas' current retail offering."

The council is particularly interested in hearing from traders that resides in the SWT district who sell items that are made in or from ingredients/materials produced in the local area.

They listed the following as other preferred features:

  • It is a completely new start-up business (as opposed to an already established business looking for additional trading sites)
  • The trader has development plans to move into a retail unit in the town centre within 3 years
  • Articles are not sold in packaging, containers or bags made from single use plastics
  • The trader runs their business using ‘carbon neutral’ principals, e.g. no use of fossil fuels; vehicles are electric
  • The stall/vehicle/unit can be considered visually appealing and will enhance the proposed trading location
  • The trader sells articles that complement the existing retail and hospitality offer in and around the proposed trading location, as opposed to acting as direct competition for businesses, premises based or otherwise
  • The trader sells food and drink which can be considered to contribute towards a healthy and balanced diet.

The council added: "If your business meets most of the criteria above and you wish to express your interest, please download, print and complete our Expression of Interest for a Street Trading Consent form which can be found online.

For the document, click here.