WORK is progressing towards installing a public art feature on a popular open space off Taunton town centre.

Public art consultant Suzanne Heath has been appointed creative producer for the project on Castle Green through a partnership between Arts Taunton and Somerset West and Taunton Council.

An Arts Taunton spokesperson said: "By next year, we hope that a chosen artist or artist collective will have created a unique temporary artwork inspired by the history of Castle Green and by the story of Taunton people, past and present.

"There are many stages to go yet, including the selection of a shortlisted artist and significant fundraising.

"But there's now a shared determination to work for success."

Castle Green has been at the heart of Taunton for several centuries.

It is where the town's Anglo Saxon minster church stood and hundreds of ancient burials still lie hidden beneath the green.

It later became the outer bailey of Taunton Castle, these days the home of the Museum of Somerset, and the setting for the Bishop of Winchester's storage barns.

The area was then turned into a venue for the local cattle market and more recently was used as a car park.

Castle Green underwent a £3million refurbishment project 10 years ago to convert it into a public space, with the former car park grassed over and events staged at the venue.

The Arts Taunton spokesperson added: "Drawing on that rich and various past, the new artwork will be a celebration of the town in what is now a greatly value civic space.

"We're very excited by the project and planning for the next steps."

Meanwhile, Arts Taunton is appealing for volunteers to become trustees of its board after three trustees, including founder Kit Chapman, stood down earlier this year.

Chairman of the trustees Tony Laurance said: "As well as contributing to board discussions, what we really want is volunteers with the time and energy to help deliver our projects - Tyca (youth festival), oublic art and our garden town role, and/or to help with fundraising."

For more information or to express an interest, e-mail hello@artstaunton.co.uk